Status of Alberta Fish
Last Update/Review: August 6, 2002
There are 51 native species of fish in Alberta and 8 exotic species (Fishes of Alberta, Nelson and Paetz, 1992, University of Alberta Press), plus the introduced smallmouth bass. The following is a list of the 12 species whose status as viable species in the province are of concern to the Fish and Wildlife Division. The populations of the remaining fish species in this province are considered to be healthy.
Species at 'Serious Risk' or 'Threatened' with Extirpation
(as classified by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada [COSEWIC])
St. Mary Sculpin
Once confused with the shorthead sculpin, the St. Mary sculpin is considered to be a distinct species. A management plan was prepared for this fish in 1993 by a consultant, Dr. Martin J. Paetz. This plan has been approved by the Fisheries Management Division and will be implemented by Natural Resources Service (NRS) staff in the Prairie Region in 1997/98. NRS is preparing a brochure on the St. Mary Sculpin, in the Threatened Wildlife series, that is scheduled for completion in 1997/98.
Shortjaw Cisco
NRS staff in the Northeast Boreal Region are preparing a management plan for this species in consultation with the University of Alberta. There is concern about further sampling of this species. Work done in 1996 by a University of Alberta graduate student did not produce many specimens.
Deepwater Sculpin
The deepwater sculpin is not yet classified, but will probably be placed in the 'threatened' category. It is known only from Waterton Lakes in Waterton Lakes National Park.
'Vulnerable' Species (COSEWIC) 'Species of Special Concern' (Fisheries and Wildlife Management Division)
Western Silvery Minnow
Little is known about the biology of this species. A report by J. Houston has proposed a 'vulnerable' classification. Alberta will address appropriate management studies once COSEWIC has officially classified the species.
Pygmy Whitefish
The pygmy whitefish is known from Waterton Lakes and a few locations in the Athabasca River drainage. Virtually nothing is know about the biology of this species in Alberta. Its status is being reviewed for classification as a 'vulnerable' species.
Brassy Minnow
The brassy minow is known from a few locations in the Milk River drainage and some isolated locations in northern Alberta only. The status of this species should be reviewed for classification as a 'vulnerable' species.
Bull Trout
A Bull Trout Species Management and Recovery Plan was prepared in 1995 and is presently being implemented for this 'species of special concern.' A zero limit has been placed on bull trout in Alberta until such time as there is a harvestable surplus. A major information and education initiative has been ongoing since the species management plan was completed. A brochure in the Threatened Wildlife series has been produced and a teacher's guide for the Alberta school curriculum is near completion. The slogan 'No black, put it back!' has been developed to reinforce the zero catch limit, as bull trout do not have any black spots or marks on their dorsal fins. Trout Unlimited Canada (Off-site) has embarked on an extensive sign campaign along streams throughout the entire eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains in Alberta to caution anglers not to keep any bull trout.
Golden Trout
Alberta's Golden Trout Management Plan was completed in 1995 for this 'species of special concern.' Alberta is the only Canadian province with golden trout. The species was first introduced in 1959 from its native alpine lakes in California. The plan is being implemented to conserve this unique species and at the same time provide some special fishing opportunities by way of restrictive angling regulations.
Lake Sturgeon
Alberta's Lake Sturgeon Management Plan was completed in 1996. The lake sturgeon populations in the North and South Saskatchewan rivers are being managed under different regulations starting in 1997. A zero catch limit is in effect for sturgeon in the North Saskatchewan River. In the South Saskatchewan River, a limit of one sturgeon over 130 cm in total length per year (through a tag system) is in effect, as well as a season closure from April 1 to June 15 during the spawning period.
Arctic Grayling
The Arctic grayling is a 'species of special concern' in Alberta as a result of its vulnerability to angling pressure and habitat destruction. The Fisheries Management Division began to prepare a species management and recovery plan in 1997. The status of various populations is under review. Preliminary indications are that the species has not responded to the 30 cm minimum size limit (with a daily limit of five grayling) introduced in 1987.
Species of 'Undetermined' Status
Smallmouth Bass
Smallmouth bass were stocked into Island Lake (near Smoky Lake) between 1977 and 1984. Until 1989 there was some evidence of natural reproduction. It is not known whether this population is self-sustaining at the present time. However it is presumed there are a few fish left. As this is a non-native species, no special monitoring is planned.
Threespine Stickleback
The threespine stickleback is a non-native species that was introduced illegally in Hasse Lake near Edmonton in the late 1970s. It is also present in Lake Eden and a storm water retention pond in Edmonton, and possibly two or three other water bodies near Edmonton. There are plans under review to treat these lakes with a fish toxicant to eradicate the populations of threespine sticklebacks.
