| Abstract/Description or Keywords |
The Skeena is the second largest river in the province, and one of the longest un-dammed rivers in the world. The Skeena River estuary is a unique system in that it does not have a single distinct intertidal delta typical of most estuary systems. Instead, suspended sediments are deposited in shoals along the lower river and the channels which connect the estuary to the open ocean, creating a region of extensive mudflats and shallow, intertidal passages. The estuary mudflats and other intertidal areas have been identified as critical habitats for Skeena River juvenile salmon, as well as important habitat for eulachon and migratory/wintering waterfowl. Although estuaries provide essential nursery and juvenile rearing habitats, with up to 80% of coastal wildlife species relying on estuaries during at least one stage of their life history, they frequently occur in areas highly valued for industrial development. In the Skeena River estuary, the Port of Prince Rupert is expanding its already extensive commercial activities. Increased vessel traffic associated with newly proposed terminals, as well as potential oil tanker activity from proposed projects such as the Enbridge Northern Gateway, will also increase the possibility of spills and other marine accidents. Estuaries worldwide are often areas of conflict between human resource need and environmental sustainability. A more holistic approach to habitat protection is required, underpinned by a thorough scientific understanding of the roles and vulnerabilities of the different species and habitats in the estuarine environment. In order to implement this approach, there is a need to better understand the cumulative, and often complex, anthropogenic impacts on estuarine environments. A number of local environmental organizations and community groups are working together to try to protect the Skeena River estuary from poorly planned over-development, and to establish the framework for a Skeena estuary management plan. As a part of these efforts, the focus of this study was to analyze the habitat in and around the Skeena River estuary in terms of suitability as valuable or critical habitat to juvenile salmonids. Juvenile salmonid habitat in the Skeena River estuary was modeled based on concepts similar to those from the Ecosystem Diagnosis and Treatment (EDT) methodology used for summer and fall chum salmon in the Hood Canal and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. This model can provide a "snapshot", both spatially and temporally, of qualitative changes in habitat attributes as they relate to juvenile salmonid survival. From the model, the following conclusions were made: _ The northwest and southwest shores of Kaien Island and the southwest shore of Ridley Island are poor habitat for all salmonid species as a result of industrialization and the attendant shoreline straightening and hardening, industrial pollutants, and poor water quality resulting from sewage and industrial effluents. _ Flora Bank is excellent habitat for epibenthic feeding salmonid species (e.g., pink, chum, and Chinook). It is in the direct path of approximately 331 million juvenile salmon outmigrating from the Skeena River, of which about 279 million are epibenthic feeders. Therefore, both location and habitat quality make Flora Bank an extremely important juvenile salmon rearing area. _ Stapledon Island is a high value habitat for all six salmonid species, and is also in the direct path of outmigrating Skeena River juvenile salmonids. _ The southwest shore of Lelu Island and Delusion Bay are highly valuable habitats for neritic feeding species (e.g., Coho, sockeye, and steelhead). _ The shoreline segments in the basins on the east side of Kaien Island and on southeast shore of Prince Rupert Harbour provide important nursery and rearing habitats for salmon outmigrating from the local natal streams. While these populations are small, they are important to the overall health and diversity of salmon in the region. This study has also helped to highlight the need for more detailed and up-to-date information on factors affecting juvenile salmonids in the Skeena River estuary. |
