A fisherman from Nova Scotia who frequents the Minas Basin has highlighted the detrimental impact of defective culverts on fish in the area. Darren Porter, who is both a commercial fisherman and an environmental advocate, observed instances where fish suffered severe consequences due to the flawed culverts. Particularly, he pointed out a pair of culverts on the Halfway River near Hantsport, N.S., where fish are forcefully pushed through during high tides, causing injuries and fatalities.
Porter’s photographic evidence showcases the extent of harm inflicted on fish, including deep wounds, hemorrhaging, and even prolapse, indicating internal organ damage due to the traumatic passage. This issue of faulty culverts is widespread, with Thomas Sweeney, a habitat biologist with the Nova Scotia Salmon Association, estimating that around half of the province’s 31,000 water crossings impede fish movement.
A recent report by Fisheries and Oceans Canada identified similar challenges, with 45 to 57 percent of culverts in major Nova Scotia watersheds hindering fish passage. Sweeney emphasized the cumulative impact of these barriers on fish populations, especially migratory species like salmon.
The problems associated with culverts range from physical damage to blockages by debris or poor design that disrupt water flow. Porter advocates for stricter enforcement of the Fisheries Act, particularly Section 35, which prohibits harming fish habitats. He believes that holding culvert owners accountable through legal measures can prompt necessary corrections to mitigate the issue effectively.
Culvert ownership varies among government entities, municipalities, industries, and private individuals. Despite the significance of the problem, Nova Scotia’s Department of Public Works, a major culvert owner, does not systematically monitor the negative effects on fish passage.
Efforts to address the culvert issue depend on timely corrective actions by owners following intervention from Fisheries and Oceans Canada. While voluntary compliance is preferred, enforcement actions may be taken if necessary. However, the lack of comprehensive data tracking on Fisheries Act violations involving culverts in the past decade poses challenges in assessing the extent of the problem.
Advocates like Sweeney stress the importance of improved tracking mechanisms to prioritize culvert repairs efficiently. Involving the public through programs like adopt-a-stream initiatives can aid in identifying and documenting problematic culverts, contributing to targeted solutions on a watershed level.
Overall, enhancing accountability and monitoring practices for culvert ownership is crucial to safeguarding fish populations and maintaining aquatic ecosystems in Nova Scotia.
