KEPO and the Aquatic Stewardship Program
Written by Jeremy Zafran on 26 May 2023
The Kahnawà:ke Environment Protection Office (KEPO) will be conducting Fish and Fish Habitat Monitoring as a part of the Aquatic Stewardship Program starting on May 29th, lasting until June 9th. This year’s surveys will focus on both the North Creek (Whákera’s Creek) and Delormier Creek. KEPO staff will be using non-lethal sampling methods including minnow traps, hoop nets, electrofishing, and the collection of water samples for eDNA analysis. All healthy native fish will be released back into the stream quickly after identification and measurement. Hoop nets will be deployed such that any air-breathing bycatch such as beavers and turtles will have access to the air. Staff, equipment and all vehicles will be clearly marked, with KEPO requesting some assistance from the community, who are being asked not to disturb the deployed equipment. Kahnawakero:non are encouraged to approach KEPO staff to discuss the creeks, fish and the Aquatic Stewardship Program.
For more information, KEPO can be reached at: 450-635-0600 or via email at: [email protected]