- Environmental Challenges
- Where We Are At
- Restrictions On Fish And Wildlife Consumption
- Degradation Of Fish And Wildlife Populations
- Fish Tumours And Other Deformities
- Degradation Of Benthos
- Restrictions On Dredging Activities
- Eutrophication And Undesirable Algae
- Restrictions On Drinking Water Or Taste And Odour Problems
- Beach Closures
- Degradation Of Aesthetics
- Degradation Of Phytoplankton And Zooplankton Populations
- Loss Of Fish And Wildlife Habitat
BUI #3 - Degradation of fish and wildlife populations
Status – Restored – September 6, 2018
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: