An Interdisciplinary Approach to Evaluating Native and Invasive Fish Connectivity and Spatial Ecology in Canada’s Historic Rideau Canal Waterway

Research on Canada’s historic Rideau Canal Waterway reveals that lockstations, while reducing connectivity, do not entirely restrict fish movement. The study found that most passages occur in the direction of flow, posing challenges for native upstream migratory species. Notably, no common carp or only a single round goby were detected moving upstream through locks, suggesting potential for selective passage strategies. Using acoustic and external tagging methods, the study tracked three native (largemouth bass, muskellunge, northern pike) and two invasive fish species (common carp, round goby) over 45 km of waterway from 2018 to 2023. Seasonal water-level drawdowns were also found to further reduce connectivity within river reaches. This interdisciplinary approach combines fish tracking with ecohydraulics and management consultations, providing actionable insights for conserving native species while mitigating invasive species dispersal in interconnected freshwater systems.

Bergman, J. N. An Interdisciplinary Approach to Evaluating Native and Invasive Fish Connectivity and Spatial Ecology in Canada’s Historic Rideau Canal Waterway. https://doi.org/10.22215/etd/2023-15978