Dams and Clams: Helping Aquatic Species in Lake Victoria
糖心直播 (UTRCA) staff recently waded in to help aquatic wildlife following an unplanned drawdown of Lake Victoria in Stratford.听听
Water levels in the man-made lake slowly receded after a sluice gate in the RT Orr Dam could not close completely due to debris during a storm on July 24. The gradual decrease in water levels gave staff time to move many aquatic species.听听
Led by UTRCA's Aquatic Biologist, a team of 12 staff spent three days along the shoreline rescuing stranded mussels, as well as one puddle of fish (Common Shiner, Bluegill, and Green Sunfish) which were netted back into the water.听听
While some Snapping Turtles were spotted by the reservoir, they had successfully moved to safer areas during the drawdown. Other reports of turtle sightings did not require response.听
The recovery efforts moved 1,075 stranded mussels from low water areas to further upstream where water levels remained higher. The mussel species included Fatmucket, Slippershell, Creeper, Creek Heelsplitter, Cylindrical Papershell, and Giant Floater.听
Freshwater mussels benefit aquatic ecosystems in many ways. They act as natural water filters, improving clarity and removing excess nutrients. Their role in the ecosystem also extends to carbon sequestration and providing a food source for various animals. Freshwater mussels are the most imperilled aquatic species in Ontario and are an important population in the lake's ecosystem.听
By July 31, water levels were low enough for UTRCA staff to safely remove the debris and close the gate. The Avon River is gradually refilling the lake, with much needed help of runoff from localized heavy rain on August 12.听
Please visit the UTRCA website for more information about the RT Orr Dam.