PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Montreal, April 17, 2024 - A study carried out by the Institut des territoires (IdT) on behalf of Fondation Rivières has revealed the presence of walleye spawning sites in the Rivière du Nord in the Saint-Jérôme area, as well as the presence of a Channel Darter, designated as a vulnerable species.
This discovery led to a rapid modification by the Ministry of the Environment, the Fight against Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks (MELCCFP). fishing periods in the Rivière du Nordbetween the downstream side of Highway 15 and the Rolland dam. The new regulations, in a specific segment of the Rivière du Nord, will protect walleye spawners during the spring reproduction period. This measure to conserve fish stocks is essential for sustainable development and to support future recreational fishing activities. "This is an important discovery that confirms the rich biodiversity of the Rivière du Nord for aquatic fauna.says André Bélanger, General Manager of Fondation Rivières.
The study was carried out on a 16-km stretch of the Rivière du Nord, between Saint-Jérôme and Prévost. "With a succession of rapids, pools and riffles, the southern part of the section studied seems to favor the Saint-Jérôme sector for walleye reproduction by offering adequate granulometry, points out Nicolas Bergeron, wildlife biologist and technician for IdT.
Sampling at over 50 sites has identified 11 walleye spawning sites in Saint-Jérôme, but none in Prévost. It should be remembered that water conditions in the spring of 2023 were very difficult, causing flooding in several places and complicating the sampling work. Despite these conditions, the results obtained are encouraging. "In our view, this motivates a second phase of the project to attempt to locate walleye spawning grounds at potential sites identified in Prévost, as well as further south, between Saint-Jérôme and Lachute, for example." adds Mr. Bergeron.
It is also worth noting that a grey rockhopper (Percina copelandi) was observed on a sandbar south of the Rolland Paper mill, and this identification was validated by the MELCCFP. The Channel Darter is an aquatic species designated as provincially vulnerable under Quebec's Loi sur les espèces menacées ou vulnérables, and as federally threatened under the Species at Risk Act. Its presence in the Rivière du Nord was known, but not at this location.
"This is the kind of discovery that motivates us even more, as a city, to make efforts to ensure the protection of our beautiful river, which is a real jewel for Saint-Jérôme."adds Ronald Raymond, municipal councillor and spokesman for the Saint-Jérôme environment commission.
"The results of this study further demonstrate the importance of involving riverside municipalities in the preservation of this collective jewel, adds Paul Germain, Mayor of Prévost.
About the Fondation Rivières
For the past 20 years, Fondation Rivières has been working to preserve, restore and enhance the natural character of rivers, and to help ensure water quality and access to water for the people of Quebec, taking into account social, environmental and economic dimensions. It carries out bacteriological quality studies for various municipalities, including Chambly, Repentigny and Mercier.
About Institut des territoires
The Institute of the Territories is a non-profit (and charitable) organization whose mission is "Developing the idea to conserve". It is also a conservation organization recognized as an eligible recipient of the Canadian Ecological Gifts Program. Embedded in the DNA of this mission is the idea of "scaling up" - the idea that every parcel of land and every organization should play a greater role, environmentally, socially and economically.
Fondation Rivières and the Institut des Territoires would like to emphasize that this study was made possible thanks to the financial support of the Ministère des Affaires municipales et de l'Habitation as part of the Fonds régions et ruralité's Soutien au rayonnement des régions program.
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Documentation
For information
Yannick. B. Gélinas
Communications and Mobilization Manager
514 272-2666, ext. 307
communications@fondationrivieres.org
