A new report by an international conservation group highlights the importance of the Petite Riviere watershed.
The International Union For Conservation of Nature just released the Freshwater Key Biodiversity Areas (KBA) in Canada report and the Petite Riviere Watershed is one of just 13 areas identified in it.
Dan Kraus, senior conservation biologist with the Nature Conservancy of Canada, is one of the report’s authors.
He says their focus was on freshwater areas that are protecting globally rare species.
“One of the important things with focusing on fresh water areas is that fresh water habitats are declining very rapidly around the world but also in Canada with the many threats these habitats are facing,“ says Kraus.
In Petite Riviere, the nearly extinct Atlantic Whitefish was identified as a rare species that needs protecting.
The fish is only found in three interconnected lakes – the Hebb, Milipsigate and Minamkeak, as well as the Tusket River.
“It’s been declining because of damming rivers, acid rain, and most recently the introduction of species like small mouth bass and chain pickerel.”
A recovery program is underway involving several agencies, including Department of Fisheries and Oceans and Bluenose Coastal Action Foundation.
The designation as a KBA does not give the watershed protection but offers information needed for conservation planning and priority setting in the area.
The only other designated KBA in Nova Scotia is Briar Island, which received that designation due to the prsence of eastern mountain avens – a rare plant.
Story by Brittany Wentzell
@BrittWentzell
