Experimental Manipulation of Aquatic Habitat in Pits and Quarries -
MAAP and Fisheries and Oceans Canada

What effect does change in habitat have on aquatic ecosystems? That's the question MAAP and researchers at Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) are trying to answer through their ongoing research study on abandoned aggregate ponds. The study titled, Experimental Manipulation of Aquatic Habitat to: a) Determine the Role of Habitat in Shaping Fish Communities, and b) Identify Effective Options for Reclaiming Sites With Fisheries Potential, has the researchers examining four abandoned aggregate ponds. After monitoring existing physical, chemical and biological conditions in four abandoned aggregate ponds for three years, DFO and MAAP have added new habitat features in three of the systems to determine what effect the modification will have on the productivity, distribution and composition of existing fish populations. Three contrasting habitat manipulations were selected. They include construction of an artificial reef in an abandoned quarry pond near Belleville, Ontario, construction of a wetland cell in an abandoned pit pond near Newmarket, Ontario and construction and installation of brush bundles in an abandoned pit pond near Stratford, Ontario.

Researchers have completed the study and results should be available by mid-2005.

Like more information? Order a copy of the interim report for this study now.