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Author: Bernard Gaudet
Printed: 1997
Description:
A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements
for the course Projects in Biology (05.41111/6) - 36 pages plus
appendices (graphs and tables). Supervisors: Dr. G.E.E. Moodie
and N.L. Loadman Dept. of Biology, University of Winnipeg
Available: : Dr. G.E.E. Moodie, University of Winnipeg
Abstract:
"Concerns about the health of the Seine River have been raised
by public interest groups over the last several years. This has
spawned numerous studies focusing on water flows, water quality,
and supply and demand. More recently, riparian zone habitat quality
has been assessed within the city of Winnipeg. Little is known
about how human activity has affected the organisms that inhabit
the river. This study is an attempt to establish fish species
diversity and fish habitat quality at six primary locations, three
urban and three rural, along the Seine River. Samples were collected
between June and October 1996. Data on species diversity were
compared between urban and rural areas, and with other comparably
sized rivers in southern Manitoba. Age-size classes were determined
for the more numerous of the species captured. Habitat quality
was assessed through field observations, using water quality data
provided, and indices described in the literature. Access to biological
information is critical for evaluating any further development
projects proposed for the Seine River." (page ii)
Fish Found In Seine!
(Re-printed from the SOS Newsletter, Spring 1997)
By: Bernard Gaudet
During the summer of 1996, SOS funded my fish survey of the Seine
River. Why would anyone want to know if there are a few minnows
swimming around? For one, I was interested in gathering this information
to complete a thesis for my Bachelor of Science degree at the
University and nobody had a good idea as to what kinds of fish
use this river to spawn, feed or carry out their life-histories.
Also, having knowledge of fish species in the Seine River will
provide a baseline with which to measure the effects proposed
enhancement projects, such as the construction of riffles, may
have on fish communities.
Collections were made at six locations, three within the City
of Winnipeg and three in rural areas. The primary method of capture
used was a two pole seining net. Twenty-one species were observed
during my study. Additional information from Manitoba Fisheries,
and evidence from anglers, brings the total number to twenty-seven
different species found in the Seine River.
So, what does this number mean? Relative to other rivers of comparable
size in southern Manitoba such as the Rat, Pembina and Cypress
Rivers, the Seine is about in the middle as far as numbers of
species. However, considering that all of these rivers run through
areas of extensive agricultural disturbance, what we may in fact
be witnessing is an overall reduction in species diversity.
It has been demonstrated in several waterways where stream enhancement
has been undertaken that a noticeable increase in fish populations
followed. In the case of the Seine River, I would think that this
is also possible. This 'soft' engineering approach will not only
improve fish habitat, but also provide a low-cost form of stream
management that is self-sustaining over the long term.
B. Gaudet
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