Beneficial Use Impairment #3
BUI #3 - Degradation of fish and wildlife populations
Status - undergoing redesignation process
In the 1990’s, there was a lack of variety and depletion of overall fish stocks in the Bay. One impacting factor was the over abundance of phosphorus, which produced massive amounts of algae. When algae decays it uses up oxygen. This lack of oxygen affected fish survival.
The excess algae, also, blocked the light necessary for the growth of underwater plants, important habitat for many fish species.
With the reduction of phosphorus levels in the Bay there has been an increase in water clarity. This has encouraged the re-growth of underwater plants providing habitat for smaller prey fish like perch and sunfish and hunting grounds for top predators like walleye, bass, and pike.
The Bay, now, has a balance of prey and predator species due to fisheries management, improved habitat, and reduced phosphorus levels.
The Bay of Quinte has developed into a diverse world class sports fishery, well known for its walleye and bass.
The bay’s
coastal wetlands support healthy and self-sustaining amphibian, bird and fish
populations. In addition, the bay’s shoreline habitats support healthy and
self-sustaining osprey populations.
This environmental challenge has met all the scientific criteria outlined in the Remedial Action Plan.
Here are the final reports.
Degradation of fish and wildlife populations - Final Report
Degradation of fish and wildlife populations - Appendices