Parks Canada has achieved a milestone in the recovery of a threatened fish species in Banff National Park. Over a decade of efforts have resulted in the westslope cutthroat trout returning to Hidden Lake, near Lake Louise, where they are now self-sustaining.
Shelley Humphries, an aquatics specialist for Parks Canada, expressed excitement at the successful restoration efforts. The initiative involved the removal of invasive brook trout using rotenone, a natural fish poison, in 2018 and 2019. Subsequently, the introduction of trout eggs into Hidden Lake over four consecutive years led to successful spawning and the presence of fully matured fish this year.
Humphries emphasized the importance of continued monitoring and expressed hope that the trout will extend their habitat beyond Hidden Lake to streams and creeks. She highlighted the positive population trends, indicating the need for the fish to spawn in various locations for long-term sustainability.
The westslope cutthroat trout, classified as threatened under the Species at Risk Act, had seen a significant decline due to recreational fishing and the introduction of non-native species like brook trout in the past century. Parks Canada’s efforts aim to rectify this historical mistake and ensure the survival of the species by expanding their presence in multiple mountain lakes and creeks.
Apart from Hidden Lake, similar conservation projects are underway in locations such as Helen Lake, Cascade Creek, Katherine Lake, and Corral Creek. Future plans include initiatives to protect the threatened bull trout, with the overall goal being the preservation of endangered species and the enhancement of the ecosystem for other wildlife like birds of prey and bears.
Humphries underlined Parks Canada’s commitment to safeguarding at-risk species, emphasizing the agency’s determination not to let them vanish without a fight. The restoration efforts signify a crucial step towards revitalizing the westslope cutthroat trout population and preserving the ecological balance in Banff National Park.