Imperial Oil, in collaboration with Hatfield Consultants, will be conducting a fish monitoring program at the Gregoire River outlets of Gregoire Lake this spring. The purpose of this work is to better understand fish movement between Gregoire Lake and the Gregoire River during the spawning season, including how structures such as the weir, fish ladder, and culvert crossings may affect fish movement. This information will help guide future efforts to improve fish passage and protect habitat in the area.
As part of this program, two temporary fish counting fences will be installed to safely capture and release fish as they move through the channel. Fish will be handled carefully by trained professionals and released back into the water shortly after processing. Some fish will be fitted with a small Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) tag. These tags:
- Are small (about the size of a grain of rice);
- Are safely inserted under the skin or in the body cavity of the fish;
- Do not affect the fish’s health, behaviour, or ability to be harvested; and
- Allow us to track fish movement if recaptured in the future.
This work will take place for a short period during the spring and is not expected to impact fishing opportunities in Gregoire Lake. We recognize that Gregoire Lake is an important resource for local residents and Indigenous communities, including for sustenance fishing. This program is being conducted to support the long-term health and sustainability of the fish population.
If you catch a fish with a small tag or notice any monitoring equipment in the area, no action is required. However, if you would like to share information about a tagged fish (species, length, and weight) or learn more about the program, please contact: Colson Foster (colson.foster@esso.ca).
See the full Community Notification.