Oxygen-Temperature Trends in the Beaverlodge Redwillow River Watershed

Arctic grayling were historically abundant in the Beaverlodge and Redwillow River watersheds but have been extirpated from the Beaverlodge watershed since the mid-1990s and are thought to be in decline in the Redwillow River watershed. Alberta Conservation Association (ACA) has been working in the Beaverlodge watershed since 2004 to improve riparian health and water quality in hopes of bringing Arctic grayling back to the watershed. To determine if riparian health improvements have improved water quality for Arctic grayling re-introductions, we installed 61 temperature loggers and 11 dissolved oxygen loggers to assess the spatial and temporal oxygen and temperature patterns in the Beaverlodge and Redwillow River watersheds. We noted 18 temperature logger sites with no water at time of removal in October. Mean August water temperature fell into three thermal categories for Arctic grayling: optimal (7.5–17°C) at 18 sites, avoidance (17–20°C) at 14 sites, and stressed (20–25°C) at three sites. Water temperature and water quantity may be limiting Arctic grayling recovery in Beaverlodge River watershed.

Partnerships

Alberta Environment and Protected Areas, Beaverlodge River Arctic Grayling Society, County of Grande Prairie, Mighty Peace Watershed Alliance, TC Energy

Annual Summaries

Title Year Category
Oxygen-Temperature In Beaverlodge-Redwillow Watershed 2022-2023 1