Newsletter 13

Over the past year, Garry Gregory has been completing a research project involving the invasive green crab as part of his honours program at UPEI. Conducted in the Souris River and the Basin Head Marine Protected Area, this study was designed to determine the influence of different densities of green crabs on sedimentary communities. This research is part of a larger effort to learn more about the impacts of invasive species on PEI, and thus helps to address strategies outlined in the Souris River Watershed Management Plan. While much more study is needed, this project nonetheless produced some interesting results. For example, it was determined that the presence of green crabs significantly reduces the abundance of marine worms, potentially altering marine food webs. In addition, it was shown that rock crabs and green crabs interact in such a way that reduces the ability of green crabs to feed efficiently.

Green Crabs caught in the Souris River

The green crab is now an established member of PEI's marine community, and eradicating the species is impractical. Therefore, it is essential that we develop effective management strategies that allow us to minimize their negative impacts in our waters. Research such as this provides much needed information and contributes greatly to this effort. Study details and results will be made available at www.souriswl.ca, and the final thesis document is available at the UPEI Library.

The HADD Program, introduced in the last edition of the newsletter, is now well underway in the Souris River. Brushmat installation is an arduous process that requires much time and manpower, but our diligent crew has made significant progress in a short amount of time. While there is still much work to be done, the project remains on schedule and should be completed by summer's end. An extensive photo record of the progress is available on our website, which also features videos of brush matting and the required prep work.
Many thanks to the landowners who have graciously donated trees to this project, your continued support is much appreciated. The public is invited to visit the project site (Gowan Brae causeway) to view the ongoing work and have any questions answered.

Luke Robichaud installing a brush mat in Gowan Brae

Waldron Leard instructing Photography Workshop participants

On May 24th, the Souris Wildlife Branch held its first ever Digital Photography Workshop. Hosted by Waldron Leard, this event was developed in response to the growing popularity of photography as an outdoor recreation in the Souris area. Participants were informed on such topics as the history of photography, effective usage of digital cameras, and photography technique.
The workshop was well received by all participants, who were able to employ their new skills at an afternoon photo taking session. The Souris Branch looks forward to hosting a similar event next year, and encourages all photographers to continue to explore the environment in the meantime!

Good News Story

All residents of the Souris area should take pride in the unique habitats we are fortunate enough to enjoy at our leisure. To this end, we should all strive to keep such places as healthy as possible. Events such as the Souris Beach Cleanup, held Wednesday, June 25th, exemplify this philosophy perfectly. While it is regrettable that this piece of shoreline was in such a state to warrant an intensive cleanup effort, it is nonetheless encouraging to see the public taking steps to protect their environment.
Participants ranged from adult citizens, to Souris Consolidated students, to preschoolers, all doing their part to ensure that the Souris Beach remains a safe and beautiful place to visit. The Souris Wildlife Branch applauds the efforts of all participants, and looks forward to future collaborations with the public on other similar projects.

People young and old participate in the 2008 Souris beach cleanup

Drinking water quality is an issue that is taking prominence on both the provincial and national stage. Much discussion has taken place on the topic, and the issue is becoming central to the agendas of the political forum. While such discussions may appear far removed from us, the reality is that drinking water quality remains one of the primary concerns of the Souris area. It is important to be vigilant in this regard and have your water tested for potential contaminants.
One such contaminant that has been receiving particular attention is nitrates. Beyond certain levels, nitrates in drinking water are known to cause health problems, and some areas of Prince Edward Island have already experienced such levels. In response to this growing problem, Souris Wildlife and the Dept. of Environment, Energy, and Forestry are partnering to deliver a nitrate clinic to be held on July 24th, from 2-7 p.m. at the Souris Ski Club. Much like last year's clinic, this instalment allows residents to have their drinking water tested for nitrates free of charge.
Participants from last fall's clinic are encouraged to have their water tested again, as nitrate levels can potentially fluctuate with season. The Souris Branch invites all area residents to use this opportunity to ensure the future health of your families.

Testing a water sample at last year's Nitrate Clinic

The Souris Wildlife Branch is pleased to announce that it has once again received funding from the Shell Environmental Fund. This marks the third consecutive year that the group has secured financial support from this organization. Previously, the Shell Environmental Fund has financed such initiatives as the Alice and Cyril MacDonald Brook Trout Nursery and the Tree Swallow Nest Box Project. The Souris Branch is confident that this year's project will follow in the successful footsteps of these predecessors.
The goals of this year's edition are twofold: to create much needed fish cover in the Souris River, and to increase public awareness of wildlife species around them. With regards to the latter, much work has already occurred. Grade 8 students in the Rollo Bay and Souris Consolidated Schools were given a presentation detailing the life histories and habitat requirements of the area's most important fish species. In addition, students were able to participate in an electrofishing survey conducted by a government biologist and a university professor. This unique opportunity allowed students to see first-hand the topics covered in the classroom. The enthusiastic response of the participants showed that a keen interest in fish habitat had been instilled. In the coming weeks, a number of fish cover structures will be installed throughout the Souris River, as will several Bald Eagle perches. These perches will enable the public to enjoy the majesty of these birds of prey while creating optimum hunting conditions for the eagles. This project clearly shows the benefits of private sector support of environmental groups, and the Shell Environmental Fund should be applauded for recognizing the importance of this work. Stay updated on the progress of the project and view pictures of the work on our website, www.souriswl.ca.

Rollo Bay Consolidated students observing Daryl Guignion conducting an electrofishing survey

Our annual Family Fishing Day, held June 8th, was a tremendous success once again this year. A highlight of the Souris Wildlife calendar year, this event always evokes an enthusiastic response from the public. In preparation for the Fishing Day, the pond was stocked with hundreds of brook trout generously donated by the Dept. of Environment, Energy, and Forestry. These fish, along with large Rainbows weighing upwards of 2 pounds, provided participants with an exciting challenge.
Despite the dreary conditions, a large crowd still assembled to take part in this longstanding tradition. Our website www.souriswl.ca features photo and video galleries that chronicle the day's happenings. The Souris Branch looks forward to hosting another successful instalment next year, when the fishing promises to yield even bigger trout still lurking in the pond!

A young angler proudly displays a large Rainbow Trout she caught during the 2008 Family Fishing Day

I'd like to thank the public for continuing to support our annual Family Fishing Day. Angling is an important part of our culture, and it's imperative that we do our best to preserve it. Research suggests that interest in angling is dwindling, and that younger generations are becoming less and less likely to take up fishing as an outdoor recreation. For this reason, events such as the Family Fishing Day are extremely important to expose young children to fishing and help them develop an interest in it as a rewarding hobby. The turnout at this year's event was tremendous, and we are excited to do it all again next year.

The Souris Branch supports any research that aims to enhance wildlife habitat on Prince Edward Island. Currently, we are partnering with the Atlantic Salmon Federation in an effort to identify and enhance key Atlantic Salmon runs on PEI. This species has been struggling on the Island in recent years, and only a few river systems still support strong populations. We are fortunate to feature several of these rivers in our area. By providing in-kind assistance to the project supervisor, retired professor Daryl Guignion, the Souris Branch is helping to ensure the survival, and hopefully recovery, of Atlantic Salmon on PEI.

As expected, the start of this summer's work season has been extremely busy and productive for the Souris Watershed crew. With the hiring of high school students, the final crew has been set. It consists of; Luke Robichaud (Stream Enhancement Supervisor), Barry Wilson (HADD Program Supervisor), Timothy Brothers (Chainsaw Operator), and Anthony MacDonald, Jeff MacLennan, Chad Mooney, and Kord White (HADD Program Labourers). We would also like to thank Devin Magennis, who recently completed a work term with us and was a valuable member of the crew. We are also fortunate this summer to be collaborating with a Dept. of Transportation and Public Works crew, as well as an Environmental Futures crew, to help accomplish the lofty goals we have set for this summer.

I'd like to take this opportunity to remind everyone about the 2008 Souris Wildlife Calendar available in stores throughout the Souris area. A lot of hard work went into this project, and the final product is both stunning and informative. This calendar would make a great gift for someone living here or wishing they were here, and all monies raised will support future enhancement efforts. Next time you're shopping, make sure you stop and browse through the calendar, you will be glad you did!

In the past, our enhancement efforts have been hindered by funding issues. This year, however, we have been successful in securing more funds than ever before. The Souris Branch has developed a reputation as a leading environmental group on PEI, one that works diligently and gets results. Our rich history of meaningful accomplishments has not gone unnoticed, and several sources have allocated funds to our group this year. These include the Watershed Management Fund, administered by the Dept. of Environment, Energy, and Forestry, the Wildlife Conservation Fund, whose budget comes from the sales of angling and hunting licenses, the Souris Harbour Authority Inc., and the Shell Environmental Fund. To those who purchased angling and hunting licenses and thus contributed to the Wildlife Conservation Fund, you can be assured that this money will be used responsibly as part of our ongoing effort to protect the environment in Eastern PEI.

While securing this funding has enabled us to continue our work, one issue seriously threatens to nullify our efforts: beavers. Our crews are encountering numerous beaver dams on almost all river systems we visit, impediments which damage fish habitat and can prevent entire runs of fish from spawning successfully. These fish include Atlantic Salmon, Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout, Gasperaux, Rainbow Smelt, and others. It is absolutely imperative to ecosystem function that these fish successfully reach their spawning grounds, as many wildlife species rely on these runs for a variety of reasons. We are currently in negotiations with government departments to address this issue in both the short and long term, and will devote whatever resources are necessary to ensure that eastern PEI continues to support vibrant fish communities.

Lastly, I would like to issue a final request to area residents to please complete and return their EG&S surveys if they have yet to do so. We are very close to reaching the numbers needed, and we would like to have the results processed as quickly as possible. This survey is considered central to establishing a national policy, so your cooperation is greatly appreciated. If you have lost your survey and would like another copy, contact me by phone at 969-0819 or by email at fredc@isnhighspeed.ca.

All pictures appearing on this site or its associated flickr account are the property of the photographers and the Souris & Area Branch of the P.E.I. Wildlife Federation.
They may not be copied without permission of the photographer and the Souris & Area Branch of the P.E.I. Wildlife Federation.