Building MTRI!
MTRI is launching a capital fundraising campaign to reach the ambitious goal of $75,000 to improve the MTRI facilities and programs. Keep an eye on the hatchling turtle to see how close we are to reaching our goal!
![[Turtle Thermometer]](/images/turtle_animation.gif)
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What is Aquatic Connectivity and Why is it Important?
Aquatic connectivity refers to the network created by streams, rivers and lakes as they flow into one another. The quality of this connectivity network within freshwater ecosystems has been identified as being very important for the success of aquatic species such as Brook trout and other fish species. Increasingly, pressure is being placed on these networks in the form of barriers to fish passage. Dams, culverts, and other modifications to the natural stream bed harm the ability of fish to migrate up and down stream in search of habitat suitable for spawning, feeding, overwintering and summer refugia. As access to the stream network decreases, so does the stream's ability to support healthy, abundant fish populations, making fragmentation a significant threat to the integrity of freshwater ecosystems throughout Southwest Nova Scotia and beyond. To help correct this problem, crossings on fish bearing streams are being identified in and around Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site, and prioritized for remediation.
The Project
In the summer of 2009, a full inventory of stream crossings within Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site was completed. To complement this work, MTRI has begun surveying stream crossings within catchments which transcend park boundaries. Once identified, barriers to fish passage will be prioritized for remediation based on fish habitat suitability and impact on stream network connectivity.
With a thorough knowledge of barriers to fish passage throughout the upper Mersey watershed, we can then model how closely stream connectivity within Kejimkujik National Park, and the upper Mersey watershed, resembles that of natural conditions, and whether connectivity is worsening or improving over time.
By hosting workshops and sharing resources with partners throughout Nova Scotia, the benefits of improved steam network connectivity will spread throughout the province and beyond, helping fish populations thrive for generations to come.
Best Practices Workshops
Coming Soon
Check back often to look for our new, downloadable, steam crossing best practices recommendations and assessment tools. Be a friend to the fish in your streams and brooks by making sure their migratory paths are clear.
Visit Our Partners in Aquatic Connectivity
Global Connection
Communitues around the world are working to improve aquatic connectivity. From right here in Nova Scotia, to as far away as New Zealand, fish migration is an important issue.
Fish Passage in New Zealand Rivers
Milwaukee River Watershed Fish Passage Program