Welland River chub die-off

[Dugger]

Hello there.... On Monday night I witnessed a die-off of Hornyhead chubs on Niagara's Welland River and am curious what i exactly witnessed. Once in my canoe I collected a dozen or so in the throes of dying. I also found one dead pumpkinseed, very fresh floating with them. The water quality has been very poor lately and we have had bad bouts of blue-green algae. Three weeks ago I reported a very nasty chemical spill. I have contacted some agencies and await feedback. Any ideas why these great little chubs would be dying? I have also seen a recent study on the Welland River that did not list the Hornyhead chub as a resident fish which I found both curious and interesting. Anyone have any ideas on what I witnessed? Very sad to watch as a naturalist and angler. I haven't seen anything like this in 20 years living on the banks of the Welland. Thanks for your thoughts!

 

[NADO]

any pics?

 

[Dugger]

.... I now believe what I thought were Spottails are in fact female Hornyheads

 

[JesusFish]

I wish i could help you find the answer but your guess would be as good as mine. Hopefully it is only a local die off and nothing serious. Would be nice to get to the root cause though.

 

[FishingNoob]

I wish i could help you find the answer but your guess would be as good as mine. Hopefully it is only a local die off and nothing serious. Would be nice to get to the root cause though.

I was heading up to Welland because my sister wanted to watch a rowing regatta and I could fish, but if all the fish are dying.....

 

[Dugger]

The Welland River is certainly taking its knocks: poor, sloppy urban planning, agricultural run-off, habitat loss, river residents who don't really have a clue how to live responsibly beside a river.... that said, this ancient waterway, like hundreds across this great province, still offers some interesting angling opportunities. The interesting aspect of this river is that often in the week, Ontario Hydro backs the river up so the current reverses and runs WEST, bringing with it fresh, oxygenated Lake Erie/Welland Canal water that enters the river thru vents in the bottom of the aquaducts that divert the river under the Welland Canal in two locations. Hmmmm it really is hurting but the fishing can be good. The die-off was very localized and likely due to very low oxygen levels I am guessing. Day Four and I can't find anyone in any government department anywhere who can provide me with some thoughts, clues, explanations.....

 

[FishingNoob]

The Welland River is certainly taking its knocks: poor, sloppy urban planning, agricultural run-off, habitat loss, river residents who don't really have a clue how to live responsibly beside a river.... that said, this ancient waterway, like hundreds across this great province, still offers some interesting angling opportunities. The interesting aspect of this river is that often in the week, Ontario Hydro backs the river up so the current reverses and runs WEST, bringing with it fresh, oxygenated Lake Erie/Welland Canal water that enters the river thru vents in the bottom of the aquaducts that divert the river under the Welland Canal in two locations. Hmmmm it really is hurting but the fishing can be good. The die-off was very localized and likely due to very low oxygen levels I am guessing. Day Four and I can't find anyone in any government department anywhere who can provide me with some thoughts, clues, explanations.....

Might go then, would the canals be better than the river? Thanks.

 

[Dugger]

Might go then, would the canals be better than the river? Thanks.

We have the Recreation Canal that runs through town, the section of the Welland Canal not in use any more by shipping, a bypass was built around Welland in the 70s, this is where much of the rowing is held and it does hold good fish. The river itself is another story and a completely different type of waterway where, unlike the Rec Canal, you may use an outboard motor. Both hold fish but I prefer the river, a natural watercourse.

 

[FishingNoob]

We have the Recreation Canal that runs through town, the section of the Welland Canal not in use any more by shipping, a bypass was built around Welland in the 70s, this is where much of the rowing is held and it does hold good fish. The river itself is another story and a completely different type of waterway where, unlike the Rec Canal, you may use an outboard motor. Both hold fish but I prefer the river, a natural watercourse.

Thanks. I was totally off then! I'll make a report once if I catch anything.

 

[Dugger]

Well, I surrender, I have worked the phone all week, province-wide, and cannot find a biologist anywhere who will A) Return my calls B) Return my emails concerning this subject. Frustrating.

 

[NADO]

How about the MNR hotline?877-847-7667

 

[Dugger]

How about the MNR hotline?877-847-7667

Tried that, filed a report with the hotline.... tried four biologists at the MNR from London to Peterborough, Guelph and Vineland, called Department of Oceans and Fisheries, called the MOE, called the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority, this weekend I am going to try American sources. Great, as a taxpayer and I can't get any help in my own province lol I just laugh and shake my head. I have found that over 20 years of giving a darn about the environment down here, do not hold your breath. Many professionals whose job it is you would have thought was to assist and be concerned I find are merely watching the clock often and waiting for 5 to roll around. The Niagara Region has been of some help in the past where spills have been involved. Good people. My former profession as a journalist really opened my eyes as well as to the state of affairs where the environment is concerned and how budget cuts and all that good stuff play a massive negative role. God, what a downer, lol Happy Victoria Day, nice people! Happy fishing! Shall report here Monday on my catches. Look forward to reading about yours too.

 

[Dugger]

I do apologize for sounding cynical, I am sure, in fact I know, there are good people in jobs that oversee our environment. There are "clock watchers" in every job/career. It just gets very very frustrating.