Fish

The official list of Ontario species of fish as determined by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (OMNR Oct. 1997) stands at 158 species.

Fish diversity and abundance is being monitored in the vicinity of the McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve, especially the Second Marsh and its watershed (Harmony, Farewell and Black creeks). This includes the wetlands, which act as nurseries for many game and forage fish, as well as other cold-water and warm-water streams that are found in the immediate area (such as Robinson Creek) which also serve as spawning areas. The near shore waters of Lake Ontario also support a wide diversity of species.

Water quality and temperature along with general habitat and food availability play an important role in both the numbers and variety of species found. The impoverished waters near the Reserve serve only to support a low number of species. Also, a high population of Carp in the area further reduces water quality due to their feeding and breeding activities which tend to disturb settled sediments thus increasing turbidity and by destroying both emergent and submergent aquatic vegetation. Initiatives are currently underway by the municipalities and the Conservation Authority, supported by both federal and provincial programs to assist in improvements to water quality in the streams that enter Lake Ontario. Steps are also being taken by organizations like Friends of Second Marsh (Watershed Stewardship Project) and their partners to likewise make improvements to water quality and general habitat along the stream corridors.

See our Preliminary Fish list