Ponds and StreamsFish Kills on PEI
- Thousands affected by Fish Kill
- Fish kill 'unfortunate,' says minister
- Buffers not enough to stop fish kills: biologist
- Dunk River fish kill shocks biologist
The following is a series of news releases from the PEI Government concerning fish kills.
Profit's Pond Fish Kill September 6, 1996
The Department of Environmental Resources
reports that analyses completed on samples collected from Profit's Pond
found the pesticide chlorothalonil at low levels in water and sediment.
Progress Report - Investigation of the Huntley River Fish Kill August 12, 1998
On July 23 of this year, a significant number of
dead trout were found in the Huntley River. The subsequent investigation
revealed that approximately 2000 fish died in the section of the river
between route 2 and Gordon's Pond.
Fish Kill Investigation Continues July 14, 1999
Water, sediment, fish and plant tissue samples are
currently being analyzed to determine the cause of the death of over one
thousand fish found earlier this week in the Valleyfield River.
Hammill Expresses Concern over Fishkills July 22, 1999
Agriculture and Forestry Minister Eric Hammill
today expressed major concerns over the number of recent fishkills in Prince
Edward Island streams, and said action is being taken to help prevent similar
incidences.
Action Plan Responds to Fishkills July 26, 1999
Ministers of the Department of Technology and
Environment and the Department of Agriculture and Forestry today
announced an action plan to both understand the facts of recent fish kills in
several Island streams and identify the steps required to reduce the risk to
aquatic life.
Toxic Amounts of Pesticides found in Lord's Pond on the Tryon River August 3, 1999
Initial results have been received on samples
collected during the investigation into fish kills in both the Tryon and
Westmoreland River systems.
Profit's Pond Tests Results Released July 28, 2000
The Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and
Environment released results Friday of pesticide analysis of samples
collected from the Profit's Pond semi-natural salmon and trout rearing
facility in West Prince.
Souris River Tests Results Released August 3, 2000
The Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and
Environment released results Thursday of pesticide analysis of water
samples taken from the Souris River where several hundred fish died last
month.
Department Investigating Fish Mortalities August 10, 2000
The Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and
Environment is investigating three separate incidents of fish mortalities
discovered Wednesday.
Results of Pesticide Analysis Released August 31, 2000
The Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and
Environment has received results of pesticide analysis of samples collected
during the investigations into three incidents of fish mortalities earlier
this month.
Department Investigating Fish Mortalities August 21, 2002.
Minister of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment Chester
Gillan reported today that his department is investigating three incidents of fish
mortalities discovered Tuesday and Wednesday.
Department Investigating Fish Mortalities July 11, 2002
The Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and
Environment is investigating an incident of fish mortalities discovered
Wednesday. The Department received a report late Wednesday afternoon of dead
fish in the upper end of the Wilmot River in Norboro.
Department Updates Investigation into Fish Mortalities July 15, 2002
The Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and
Environment provided an update Monday on an incident of fish mortalities
discovered last Wednesday, July 10.
Department Investigating Fish Mortality July 19, 2002
The Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and
Environment is investigating an incident of fish mortalities in the Milton
area.
Department Updates Investigations July 22, 2002
The Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and
Environment received reports of three incidents of fish mortalities over
the weekend, bringing the number of investigations to five.
Department Provides Update on Investigation into Fish Mortalities July 25, 2002
The Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment provided
an update Thursday on investigations into recent incidents of fish mortalities in Island
streams.
Department Receives Results of Water Sample Analysis August 2, 2002
The Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment has received results of water sample analysis from three incidents of fish mortalities last month.
Department Receives Final Laboratory Results November 8, 2002
The Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment has received the last of the laboratory analysis from nine incidents of fish mortalities this summer.
Fish Mortalities Reported at Hatchery August 7, 2003
The Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment is following up on a reported incident of fish mortalities at the Cardigan Fish Hatchery.
Governments Of Canada And Prince Edward Island To Research And Monitor Risks Of Pesticides Used In Agriculture November 18, 2003
The Honourable David Anderson, Canada's Minister of the Environment, and the Honourable Jamie Ballem, Minister of Environment and Energy for Prince Edward Island, today announced that the governments of Canada and PEI will
work in cooperation with a number of partners over the next two years to conduct agricultural pesticide research and monitoring programs in Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick.
----------------------------- NEWS RELEASE ----------------------------- Friday, September 6, 1996 PROFIT'S POND FISH KILL CHARLOTTETOWN, PEI -- The Department of Environmental Resources reports that analyses completed on samples collected from Profit's Pond found the pesticide chlorothalonil at low levels in water and sediment. Water, sediment and fish samples were collected from the Profit's Pond area on July 20, the same day that a fish kill was observed in the pond. Water and sediment were analysed for a selection of pesticides including those used in the watershed in the days prior to the fish kill. Chlorothalonil was the only pesticide detected in these samples. It was found at a concentration below that normally toxic to fish. The concentration was above the Canadian Council of Ministers of Environment water quality guideline for freshwater aquatic life in general. While dissolved oxygen and temperature were at normal levels in the pond, silt concentrations were elevated. Chlorothalonil is an active ingredient in the product Bravo, a common agricultural fungicide. Interviews of farmers, conducted by pesticide inspectors for the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry determined that Bravo was applied to a number of fields in the watershed of the pond prior to the fish kill. No evidence of improper usage or application was found during their investigation. While the pesticide was detected at a low level in the water and sediment samples tested from the pond, concentrations may have been higher prior to the sample collection. Preliminary findings from fish autopsies found that the fish may have been exposed to a toxic chemical but were otherwise healthy. Further tests are planned on fish but due to the rapid breakdown of chlorothalonil by the fish, the tests may not be conclusive. More water and sediment tests are being conducted for chlorothalonil and another pesticide to further refine understanding of the fish kill. At this time, due to the low levels of pesticide detected and the potential for impact from other factors such as silt, the Department of Environmental Resources is unable to conclusively say what killed the fish at Profit's Pond. Remaining tests to be completed in water and sediment are expected in a couple of weeks. Remaining tests for fish may be weeks before being complete.
----------------------------- NEWS RELEASE ----------------------------- Wednesday, August 12, 1998 Technology and Environment FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Technology and Environment PROGRESS REPORT - INVESTIGATION OF THE HUNTLEY RIVER FISH KILL CHARLOTTETOWN, PEI -- On July 23 of this year, a significant number of dead trout were found in the Huntley River. The subsequent investigation revealed that approximately 2000 fish died in the section of the river between route 2 and Gordon's Pond. The incident corresponded with exceptionally heavy rains the previous evening. During the investigation, samples of water, sediment and fish were collected for analyses. The focus of the investigation by the Department of Technology and Environment is not of a legal nature, and findings to date do not indicate wrong doing by any individual. "Preliminary results suggest that several factors, all apparently related to run-off from the land may have played a role in the death of the fish" indicated George Somers, Head of the Groundwater Section. "Additional analyses of samples is continuing, and completion of the full investigation will take at least weeks, possibly months." "Conclusions from autopsies of the fish appear to rule out infection or disease as the cause of death, and are consistent with suffocation or toxic stress. Any number of factors could account for these symptoms, and further analyses of fish samples may be conducted pending a fuller understanding of water quality results." Results of initial analyses indicate that several pest control products were present in water and sediment samples, and there is also some indirect evidence that there may have been high ammonia levels in the water. One possible source of ammonia would be from the application of urea type fertilizers. Sufficiently high concentrations of either of these compounds could explain the death of the fish by suffocation or toxic stress. In addition, sediment loads were high, and cannot be ruled out as a contributing factor. Land wash from adjacent fields is the most likely pathway by which these contaminants would reach the river. It is difficult to determine with certainty whether the concentration of these compounds, either individually or in combination, would have been lethal to fish, especially where the analytic results represent the conditions at the time of sampling, not at the time of the fish kill some hours earlier. Further work on water quality analyses is continuing. Mr. Somers indicated "The Department is deeply concerned about these events, particularly with respect to their severity and regularity. This incident, and others like it over the past few years, highlight the pressing need for Government to work closely with stakeholders to address the issue of soil erosion and related impacts on the aquatic environment. Properly engineered buffer zones along water courses to prevent the concentrated discharge of run-off water and any associated contaminants will be an important strategy in reducing the likelihood of similar occurrences in the future."
----------------------------- NEWS RELEASE ----------------------------- Wednesday, July 14, 1999 Technology and Environment FISH KILL INVESTIGATION CONTINUES CHARLOTTETOWN, PEI -- Water, sediment, fish and plant tissue samples are currently being analyzed to determine the cause of the death of over one thousand fish found earlier this week in the Valleyfield River. Results from the tests are expected in two weeks. Due to the heavy losses of fish stocks, angling in the affected section of the river has been closed for the remainder of the 1999 angling season. This closure is in effect immediately and covers the section of the Valleyfield River below Egolf's Pond downstream to where the Valleyfield River joins the Montague River at Montague. Officials from the Department of Technology and Environment have been on the scene investigating since Monday morning when the first dead fish were reported. "We are continuing our investigation and while results from the analysis should identify the cause of death in the fish, we are also looking into all circumstances surrounding the incident," said Bruce Raymond, Manager of the Surface Water Section. Early findings from the investigation point to the presence of residual chemicals from nearby potato fields as a possible source of contamination in the river. There appears to have been severe landwash from nearby potato fields following heavy rain fall over the weekend and it is suspected that residual chemicals adhering to soil particles flowed into the river. Dead fish have been discovered over a lengthy portion of the Valleyfield River, starting in the Heatherdale area, and continuing to head of tide in Montague. "Once our investigation is complete and the sample analysis available, a full report on the incident will be released," noted Mr. Raymond.
----------------------------- NEWS RELEASE ----------------------------- Thursday, July 22, 1999 Agriculture and Forestry Hammill Expresses Concern over Fishkills CHARLOTTETOWN, PEI -- Agriculture and Forestry Minister Eric Hammill today expressed major concerns over the number of recent fishkills in Prince Edward Island streams, and said action is being taken to help prevent similar incidences. "This is a very significant problem and we are taking it very, very seriously," said Mr. Hammill. "I want to make it perfectly clear that this is totally unacceptable, and government and industry are taking steps to address the problem." The minister said government and industry have been working closely together to protect Island watercourses. He said measures such as the establishment of the new Agriculture and Environmental Conservation program, the Environmental Farm Plan program, and the hiring of an Integrated Pest Management specialist to work with the industry in support of its goal to reduce pesticide use, along with a greater recognition among producers of the importance of soil conservation, are all steps in the right direction. "The implementation of the new buffer zone legislation in the next crop year will also result in better protection to fish and wildlife habit," he said, while acknowledging that more must be done now to deal with problem. Mr. Hammill said that during a meeting with Technology and Environment Minister Mitch Murphy this week, Ministers directed that an action plan be developed involving both levels of government and the industry. He said further details will be announced in the near future.
----------------------------- NEWS RELEASE ----------------------------- Monday, July 26, 1999 Agriculture and Forestry Action Plan Responds to Fishkills CHARLOTTETOWN, PEI -- Ministers of the Department of Technology and Environment and the Department of Agriculture and Forestry today announced an action plan to both understand the facts of recent fish kills in several Island streams and identify the steps required to reduce the risk to aquatic life. Ministers Mitch Murphy and Eric Hammill identified a five-point plan which acknowledges that runoff containing agricultural pesticides was likely the source of the recent fish mortalities. "Island farmers and our government have both recognized the necessity of establishing sustainable production systems for all agricultural products. The fish kills of last week are completely unacceptable to everyone, so we must find solutions," said Mr. Hammill. The five-point plan includes: 1. Completing a detailed assessment of the circumstances around each fish kill and identifying common factors and causal agents. 2. Identifying agronomic practices which were successful in preventing watercourse contamination during heavy rainfall events. 3. Identifying and recommending crop protection products with low toxicity to reduce risk to aquatic life. 4. Utilizing the Department of Agriculture & Forestry's geographic information system (GIS) to identify high-risk watersheds and establish specific plans for protection of aquatic life. 5. Establishing a joint Action Committee consisting of industry and provincial and federal government representatives to oversee the work and ensure implementation. The committee includes Scott Howatt and John Phillips, Potato Producers Association; Mette Ching, Federation of Agriculture; Alan Rennie, Soil and Crop Improvement Association; David Thompson, Crop Protection Institute of Canada; Ralph Yeo, Farm Practices Review Board; Christiane DesLaurier, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada; Peter Johnson, Environment Canada; Gordon Fairchild, Eastern Canada Soil and Water Conservation Centre; Claire Franklin, Pesticide Management Regulatory Agency; and Richard Veinot, Clair Murphy and George Trainor representing the provincial departments of agriculture, environment and transportation respectively. The Action Committee will be chaired by Dr. Carl Willis, chair of the Province's Pesticides Advisory Committee. He is the former director of the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada research centre in Charlottetown. "I am very pleased with the response we have had from industry and government agencies in agreeing to support immediate work on this problem," said Mr. Murphy. "The buffer zone legislation and the Agriculture and Environmental Resource Conservation Program are steps in the right direction, but we need to understand the factors leading to these fish mortalities so we don't miss any necessary step." Work to implement the Action Plan will begin immediately. The Committee will meet on Friday of this week.
----------------------------- NEWS RELEASE ----------------------------- Tuesday, August 3, 1999 Technology and Environment TOXIC AMOUNTS OF PESTICIDES FOUND IN LORD'S POND ON THE TRYON RIVER CHARLOTTETOWN, PEI -- Initial results have been received on samples collected during the investigation into fish kills in both the Tryon and Westmoreland River systems. Results from the Atlantic Veterinary College indicate that the sudden death of the fish is consistent with a toxic insult to the fish, and dissolved oxygen and temperature were not believed to be a significant factor. "Examination of the fish from both sites by the Atlantic Veterinary College indicates that the fish appeared healthy prior to death," said Mitch Murphy, Minister of Technology and Environment. In Tryon, a number of water and sediment samples were collected and preliminary results indicate the presence of azinphos methyl and carbofuran in water samples from Lord's Pond. Azinphos methyl was found at concentrations that would be considered toxic to fish, while carbofuran concentrations were below aquatic water quality guideline values. Azinphos methyl was also found at toxic concentrations in a pool of standing water collected from a washout gully below a potato field located at the origin of the fish kill. Pesticides were not detected in the preliminary analysis of water or sediment samples from a pool of standing water located a short distance upstream from the suspected field. In the Westmoreland River, four pesticide products were detected in a standing water sample taken from a gully that was created as a result of runoff from a suspected field. The four products detected were carbofuran, chlorothalonil, endosulfan and metribuzin. Chlorothalonil, endosulfan and carbofuran were all above aquatic water quality guideline values. Chlorothalonil and azinphos methyl were also detected in sediment samples collected during the Westmoreland investigation. During the investigations, farmers in the affected areas have cooperated fully, and all of the pesticides that were detected in the samples were reported to be used by the farmers. In the Westmoreland River, stream water samples were not analysed as there had been a significant time lapse between the likely timing of the fish kill and the time the Department of Technology and Environment became aware of the kill. "The only way to get really good test results is to get samples as soon as possible when there is a fish kill," added Murphy. "I would encourage anyone noticing a number of dead fish to notify the Department's Environmental Emergency Response number at 1-800-565-1633, which is printed in the front of the Telephone Directory." Additional test results from the various fish kill investigations are expected by late next week.
----------------------------- NEWS RELEASE ----------------------------- Friday, July 28, 2000 Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment Profit's Pond Test Results Released CHARLOTTETOWN, PEI -- The Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment released results Friday of pesticide analysis of samples collected from the Profit's Pond semi-natural salmon and trout rearing facility in West Prince. Samples were collected as part of an investigation into fish mortalities that occurred earlier this month in two holding tanks which draw water from the pond. Clair Murphy, Director of the Department's Water Resources Division, released the results of the pesticide analysis. He said a sample collected from the fish tank where approximately 1,500 four to six-inch brook trout died showed low levels of metribuzin, a pre and post-emergent herbicide used for weed control; and chlorothalonil, a commonly-used fungicide. A second sample collected from the centre of Profit's Pond, where some 39,000 salmon par are kept, showed a low concentration of metribuzin. Murphy said the concentration of both chemicals was low compared to the acute toxicity levels for trout. "The Canadian Water Quality Guidelines for the Protection of Freshwater Aquatic Life indicate that the acute toxicity level for metribuzin is 42,000 to 76,000 parts per billion (ppb). The highest concentration of this compound was found in the fish tank at 0.6 ppb. A concentration of 0.3 ppb was found in the pond." With regard to chlorothalonil, Murphy said the acute toxicity threshold for trout is 250 parts per billion. The concentration found in the fish tank was 3.3 ppb, and there was no detection of the fungicide in the pond water. "Based on the Aquatic Life Guidelines, the concentrations of pesticides found in the samples analyzed would not represent a health risk to fish," Murphy said. Workers at Profit's Pond discovered the fish mortalities the morning of July 18. Somewhere in the range of 5,000 to 6,000 fish were lost. Murphy noted there was a heavy rain July 17 which resulted in the water having high suspended sediment content. Results of autopsies conducted on the dead fish at the Atlantic Veterinary College earlier this month indicated that the primary cause of death was acute gill disease. Where the functional capacity of gill tissue to transfer oxygen from the water into the blood stream is impaired by gill disease or some other factor, the fish eventually suffocate. Murphy explained any environmental factors such as high levels of suspended sediment or reduced dissolved oxygen levels in the water would further reduce the gill efficiency. "Both fish tanks, as well as the pond water, showed high levels of suspended sediment during the event. There was also some evidence to suggest the dissolved oxygen levels may have been somewhat reduced," he said. Murphy indicated the investigation of cropping activities in the Long Creek watershed upstream of Profit's Pond has not revealed clear evidence of serious runoff from any particular location. "Investigators have talked with several farmers in the watershed and have received excellent cooperation," he added. The investigation is continuing.
----------------------------- NEWS RELEASE ----------------------------- Thursday, August 3, 2000 Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment SOURIS RIVER TESTS RESULTS RELEASED CHARLOTTETOWN, PEI -- The Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment released results Thursday of pesticide analysis of water samples taken from the Souris River where several hundred fish died last month. A stream enhancement crew discovered the dead fish in the east branch of the Souris River in the Harmony Junction area the morning of July 20. Investigators collected approximately 300 fish in excess of four inches, including rainbow trout, speckled trout and salmon. A number of smaller fish were also lost but were not counted. Bruce Raymond, head of rivers and estuaries in the Department's Water Resources Division, released the results of the pesticide analysis. "Two agricultural pesticides were detected in water samples collected during the investigation," Raymond stated in a news release. Lab results from the Atlantic Veterinary College toxicology lab showed a concentration of dithiocarbamates and metribuzin in the water samples. Raymond explained dithiocarbamates are a group of pesticides which include mancozeb, the active ingredient in a fungicide which was reported to have been sprayed in the area the morning before the fish mortalities were discovered. "The maximum concentration of dithiocarbamates in the water samples, which were collected 30 hours after a rainfall, was 131 parts per billion (ppb). Concentrations may have been higher at the time of death," he said. "Compared to reported toxicity values, this concentration is of concern for fish health." With regard to metribuzin, a herbicide used for weed control, Raymond said the lab results showed a maximum concentration of 9 ppb in the water samples. He added this concentration is below that considered to be of concern for fish health. Raymond noted there was heavy rain in the Souris area the morning of July 19, the day before the fish mortalities were discovered. "Between 9 and 10 a. m., there was 7 mm of rainfall, with 6.2 mm of rain falling in the short span of nine minutes," he said. Raymond said a farmer in the area reported he had applied mancozeb immediately prior to the rainfall. The farm weather forecast for Souris that morning was a 29 per cent probability of rain between 5 and 8 a. m. with zero per cent probability after that. In other results of the investigation, Raymond indicated water temperature and dissolved oxygen levels in the water were normal.
--------------------- For Immediate Release --------------------- DEPARTMENT INVESTIGATING FISH MORTALITIES CHARLOTTETOWN, PEI -- The Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment is investigating three separate incidents of fish mortalities discovered Wednesday. The department received reports of dead fish in Indian River and French River Wednesday afternoon and a third report of dead fish in Mount Herbert that evening. Spokesperson Bruce Raymond, head of the Department's Rivers and Estuaries Section, said reports of the incidents in Indian River and French River came in at approximately 2 pm. Raymond said a watershed crew discovered the dead fish in Indian River, while a member of the public reported the incident in French River. The report of fish mortalities in Mount Herbert came in the form of an anonymous call to the toll-free Environmental Emergency Response number (1-800-565-1633). In all three incidents, Raymond said investigators have collected water samples as well as dead fish to be taken to the Atlantic Veterinary College for analysis. The first samples were collected in Indian River at approximately 2:30 pm. "At this point, it appears water temperature and dissolved oxygen were not factors in the fish mortalities in either Indian River or French River. It is still too early to make that determination in Mount Herbert," Raymond said. "Beyond that, until we receive the results of the fish autopsies and water sample analysis by the Atlantic Veterinary College we cannot determine what was the cause of death in any of the incidents," he added. The provincial Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment is continuing the investigations in cooperation with Environment Canada. For more information, contact Bruce Raymond at bgraymond@gov.pe.ca
August 31, 2000 --------------------- For Immediate Release --------------------- RESULTS OF PESTICIDE ANALYSIS RELEASED CHARLOTTETOWN, PEI -- The Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment has received results of pesticide analysis of samples collected during the investigations into three incidents of fish mortalities earlier this month. The department received reports of dead fish in Indian River, French River and Mount Herbert August 9. In Indian River, approximately 2,500 trout were collected over a two-kilometre stretch of stream. There was a heavy rainfall in the area the day before the fish were discovered, with the weather station in Kensington reporting 16.2 mm of rain. As part of the investigation into the fish mortalities, water, sediment and fish samples were collected and taken to the Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC) for analysis. Clair Murphy, director of the department's Water Resources Division, said results from the AVC toxicology lab indicate pesticides were detected in water samples taken from two locations in Indian River. At the uppermost sampling location, Murphy said a number of pesticides were detected in a sample taken from a pool of standing water adjacent to the stream. However, the concentrations were all well below levels which would be toxic to fish. The second samples were taken from a pool of standing water at the base of a large drainage area approximately 350 metres above the main stream. Murphy said a number of products were detected with two insecticides, azinphos-methyl and endosulfan, being present at high concentrations. Murphy said the concentration of azinphos-methyl was measured at 73.2 parts per billion (ppb), which is several times greater than reported toxicity values. The concentration of endosulfan at 8.2 ppb was also several times higher than reported toxicity levels. "Given the concentrations of these insecticides in the pool of standing water, it is quite probable surface water runoff containing pesticides reached the main stream," Murphy said. Samples collected from the stream itself did not show any significant levels of pesticides, but Murphy said that is to be expected. "The dead fish were discovered approximately 24 hours after the heavy rainfall so anything that was present in the stream water would have been flushed through the system by the time the investigation could be initiated," he explained. Murphy said the autopsies of the fish specimens did not provide conclusive information as to the precise cause of death. Although the fish had begun to decay prior to their collection, autopsy observations were consistent with death by anoxia or a toxic event, he said. "The examination of the stomach contents did suggest that the fish were eating normally prior to death," Murphy noted. "In addition, the lab report indicates that there was no evidence of infectious disease in the fish." In Mount Herbert, the report of dead fish came to the toll-free Environmental Emergency Response number late in the evening of August 9. A total of 58 fish were collected: 42 trout, from four to 23 cm in length, and 16 sticklebacks. Murphy said the investigation focused on a carrot field on Fullerton's Creek which showed evidence of runoff and erosion. There was no standing water from which to take samples during the initial investigation. However, investigators took sediment samples from the field, the buffer zone between the field and the stream, and the stream itself. As well, Murphy said a thunder storm moved through the area when investigators were on site and they were able to collect samples of runoff water. Murphy said the report from the AVC toxicology lab indicates that three compounds, one fungicide and two herbicides, were detected in both the sediment samples and runoff water samples. "The fungicide, chlorothalonil, was found at moderate to high concentrations in relation to its toxicity levels, while the herbicides, linuron and prometryn, were detected at low concentrations relative to their toxicities to fish," he added. No pesticides were detected in the water samples taken from the stream. Murphy said autopsies of the fish specimens from Fullerton's Creek indicate that the deaths were sudden, most likely the result of anoxia or the introduction of a toxic substance. There was no sign of infectious disease, he said. In the case of the fish mortalities in French River, a total of 50 trout, from five to 40 cm in length, were collected August 9. Two kilometres east of where the dead fish were discovered, more than 50 mm of rainfall was recorded over a period of approximately 35 minutes the previous evening. Murphy said the lab reports on French River indicate trace amounts of pesticides were detected in sediment samples and samples of foliage taken from a suspect field. No pesticides were detected in the water samples or sediment samples taken from the stream. Murphy said autopsies of the fish specimens from French River again indicate the deaths were sudden, most likely the result of anoxia or the introduction of a toxic substance. The Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment is continuing the investigation into all three incidents of fish mortalities. For more information, contact Clair Murphy at ccmurphy@gov.pe.ca
----------------------------- NEWS RELEASE ----------------------------- August 21, 2002 Department Investigating Fish Mortalities CHARLOTTETOWN, PEI -- Minister of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment Chester Gillan reported today that his department is investigating three incidents of fish mortalities discovered Tuesday and Wednesday. The department received a call Wednesday of dead fish in a pond in the east branch of the Westmoreland River in Westmoreland. Investigators who responded to the call observed 30 dead fish in and below the pond. "An environmental response team was sent to the site Wednesday afternoon. As part of the investigation, they will be taking water temperature and dissolved oxygen readings and collecting water, soil and fish samples to be sent for analysis," said Minister Gillan. Meanwhile, environment officials collected approximately 200 dead fish from an incident in the west branch of the Westmoreland River in the Crapaud area. That incident was discovered Tuesday. Investigators collected water and sediment samples, as well as dead fish to be sent to the Environment Canada laboratory in Moncton for analysis. Another incident was reported Tuesday afternoon in the east branch of the Tryon River between North Tryon and Gamble's Corner. Investigators collected 33 dead fish over the last two days but were having difficulty determining the extent of the situation because of poor water clarity. "Investigators will continue to check on the site, and once the stream clears they will be able to get a better assessment of the situation," said Minister Gillan. Water and sediment samples and dead fish were collected from the Tryon River site Tuesday to be sent for analysis. In both incidents reported Tuesday, water temperature and dissolved oxygen levels were normal for this time of year. The Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment is investigating the three incidents of fish mortalities in cooperation with Environment Canada and the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans.
----------------------------- NEWS RELEASE ----------------------------- July 11, 2002 DEPARTMENT INVESTIGATING FISH MORTALITIES CHARLOTTETOWN, PEI -- The Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment is investigating an incident of fish mortalities discovered Wednesday. The Department received a report late Wednesday afternoon of dead fish in the upper end of the Wilmot River in Norboro. Spokesperson Jim Young, Director of the Water Resources Division, said the call came from a member of a conservation group which was doing habitat improvement work in the area of Murphy's Bridge. Young said investigators collected approximately 200-300 dead fish including sticklebacks and brook trout. Investigators have not yet determined the extent of the incident due to a lack of clarity in the water. "At this point, we do not know the cause of death. It appears that water temperature and dissolved oxygen were not factors, but beyond that we cannot make any determination until we receive lab results," Young said. Investigators collected water and sediment samples, as well as dead fish to be sent to the Environment Canada laboratory in Moncton for analysis. It is expected to be a couple of weeks before results are back. The Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment is continuing to investigate the incident in cooperation with Environment Canada and the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans. For more information, contact Jim Young, Director, Water Resources, Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment by email at JJYOUNG@gov.pe.ca or phone (902) 368-5034.
----------------------------- NEWS RELEASE ----------------------------- July 15, 2002 DEPARTMENT UPDATES INVESTIGATION INTO FISH MORTALITIES CHARLOTTETOWN, PEI -- The Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment provided an update Monday on an incident of fish mortalities discovered last Wednesday, July 10. The incident occurred in the upper end of the Wilmot River in Norboro. It was reported by a member of a conservation group which was doing habitat improvement work in the area of Murphy's Bridge. Spokesperson Jim Young, director of the Water Resources Division, said results of autopsies on six of the dead fish were received Monday from the Atlantic Veterinary College. "According to the autopsy report, the fish were in good condition. They were feeding well at the time of death and there were no signs of an infectious disease," Young said. "The report indicates that the condition of the fish was consistent with either acute anoxia or lack of oxygen, which the investigation has ruled out, or a toxic exposure." Water, sediment and fish tissue samples were sent last week to the Environment Canada laboratory in Moncton for analysis. It is expected to take two to three weeks. Until they receive results of the lab analysis, Young said investigators cannot make any further determination as to the cause of death. Meanwhile, the initial cleanup on the river was completed Monday. Young reported that investigators collected approximately 4,500 fish in total. The majority of the fish are brook trout. There are also some sticklebacks and a small number of rainbow trout. "The affected area appears to be a five-kilometre stretch ending in the area of Miller's Pond in Kelvin Grove. Investigators have found live fish in the area between Miller's Pond and Freetown Bridge," Young added. Approximately 25 people have been working the last several days on the river cleanup. They include members of local conservation groups, a crew with the Young Environmentalists Program, and staff of the Departments of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment and Transportation and Public Works. The Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment is continuing to investigate the incident in cooperation with Environment Canada and the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans. For more information, contact Jim Young, Director, Water Resources, Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment by email at jjyoung@gov.pe.ca or phone (902) 368-5034.
----------------------------- NEWS RELEASE ----------------------------- July 19, 2002 DEPARTMENT INVESTIGATING FISH MORTALITIES CHARLOTTETOWN, PEI -- The Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment is investigating an incident of fish mortalities in the Milton area. The report of dead fish was called into the toll-free Environmental Emergency Response number Friday morning. Spokesperson George Somers of the Water Resources Division said the area affected is a tributary of the North River located north of Route 2 in Milton. "During the initial stage of the investigation Friday, investigators observed approximately 200 dead fish over a 3.5-kilometre section of the stream," Somers said, adding that they were mostly brook trout and some sticklebacks. Somers said investigators have determined that the water temperature and dissolved oxygen readings were within the normal range for this time of year. "We do not know the cause of death at this point. Water and sediment samples, and dead fish have been sent to the Environment Canada laboratory in Moncton for analysis. That is expected to take two to three weeks," Somers said. The Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment is continuing to investigate the incident in cooperation with Environment Canada and the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans. For more information, contact George Somers, Groundwater Section Head, Water Resources, Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment by email at ghsomers@gov.pe.ca or phone (902) 368-5046.
----------------------------- NEWS RELEASE ----------------------------- July 22, 2002 DEPARTMENT UPDATES INVESTIGATIONS CHARLOTTETOWN, PEI -- The Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment received reports of three incidents of fish mortalities over the weekend, bringing the number of investigations to five. The department received reports Friday evening of dead fish in the Wilmot River in Wilmot Valley and a tributary of the Clyde River in the Kingston area. A call Sunday night alerted the department to dead fish in a tributary of the Trout River in the O'Leary area. Spokesperson Bruce Raymond, of the department's Water Resources Division, said the incident in the Wilmot River affected a four-kilometre area east of Cairns Road through Marchbank's Pond in Wilmot Valley. "Approximately 6,100 fish were collected over the weekend. That includes mostly brook trout and a small number of rainbow trout and sticklebacks," he said. The second incident reported Friday night involved a tributary of the Clyde River in the Kingston area. Raymond said approximately 300 fish were collected at that site, with roughly an equal number of sticklebacks and brook trout. In both incidents reported Friday, Raymond said water temperature and dissolved oxygen did not appear to be factors in the fish mortalities. "Water and sediment samples and dead fish were collected at each site and sent to the Environment Canada laboratory in Moncton for analysis. Until we receive those results, we cannot make any further determination as to the cause of death." The incident reported Sunday night involved a three-kilometre area in a tributary of the Trout River above Leard's Pond. Raymond said the fish were quite decomposed, indicating that they most likely died last week. "Because of the condition of the fish and the time that has elapsed, it is impossible to get an accurate count or to collect samples for analysis," he added. The cleanup is continuing at the site of the three weekend incidents. Updating the status of earlier incidents of fish mortalities, Raymond said the initial cleanup of the North River was completed over the weekend. The incident there was reported Friday morning. The area affected is a 3.5-kilometre section of the stream north of Route 2 in Milton. Raymond said approximately 1,400 fish were collected, mostly brook trout and sticklebacks. Raymond said the department hopes to receive results later this week of laboratory analysis of water, sediment and fish tissue samples from an earlier incident of fish mortalities in the Wilmot River. That event, reported July 10, involved a five-kilometre stretch in the upper end of the river above Miller's Pond. Approximately 4,500 dead fish were collected at that time. Raymond said results of analysis from samples taken at the three incidents reported Friday are expected to take two to three weeks. For more information, contact Bruce Raymond, Rivers & Estuaries Section Head, Water Resources, Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment by email at bgraymond@gov.pe.ca or phone (902) 368-5054.
----------------------------- NEWS RELEASE ----------------------------- July 25, 2002 DEPARTMENT PROVIDES UPDATE ON INVESTIGATIONS INTO FISH MORTALITIES CHARLOTTETOWN, PEI -- The Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment provided an update Thursday on investigations into recent incidents of fish mortalities in Island streams. The department received a final report from the Environment Canada laboratory in Moncton Thursday afternoon on analysis of water samples collected during the initial investigation into the incident of fish mortalities in Wilmot River July 10. Approximately 4,500 dead fish were collected over a five-kilometre stretch in the upper end of the Wilmot River from Norboro to the area of Miller's Pond in Kelvin Grove. Spokesperson Bruce Raymond, of the department's Water Resources Division, said lab results indicate the insecticide azinphos-methyl was detected in high concentrations in water samples taken from pools of standing water at the edge of fields adjacent to the stream. The department is still awaiting results of sediment and fish tissue samples from the July 10 incident in the Wilmot River. In another incident, Raymond said the department is investigating fish mortalities at Huntley River in West Prince. A local watershed crew discovered the dead fish and notified the department Wednesday afternoon. The area affected is above Gordon's Pond in Huntley. "To date, investigators have collected 90 dead brook trout in a 1.5-kilometre section; however, there were also live fish seen in the same area," he said. Raymond said temperature and dissolved oxygen readings were within the normal range. Water, sediment and fish samples were collected and sent to the Environment Canada laboratory for analysis and dead fish were taken to the Atlantic Veterinary College for autopsies. Department staff were continuing to investigate areas further upstream Thursday. Meanwhile, the Minister of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment, Chester Gillan said the department's Investigation and Enforcement Section is inspecting fields throughout the province to ensure compliance with buffer zone legislation. "Enforcement officers surveyed some of the Island's river systems by helicopter Wednesday, including those where we have had fish mortalities this year," the Minister said. "They have identified a number of areas where there appear to be violations and are continuing to investigate those cases." Minister Gillan said where a buffer zone violation is noted, the landowner may be charged and/or ordered to remove rows of crop to bring the field into compliance with the legislation. For more information, contact Bruce Raymond, Rivers & Estuaries Section Head, Water Resources, Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment by email at bgraymond@gov.pe.ca or phone (902) 368-5054.
----------------------------- NEWS RELEASE ----------------------------- August 2, 2002 DEPARTMENT RECEIVES RESULTS OF WATER SAMPLE ANALYSIS CHARLOTTETOWN, PEI -- The Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment has received results of water sample analysis from three incidents of fish mortalities last month. The water quality results reported by Environment Canada concern samples collected during the investigation into incidents of fish mortalities in the North, Wilmot, and Clyde Rivers, which were reported on July 19. Spokesperson Bruce Raymond noted that the department is awaiting results of analysis of sediment and fish tissue samples from all of the incidents, as well as results of analysis of the water samples taken from North River. Looking at the report to date from North River, Raymond said lab results indicate the fungicide chlorothalonil was detected in a water sample taken from a pool of standing water at the edge of a field adjacent to the stream, and in water samples taken from the stream. The incident in North River affected a 3.5-kilometre section of stream north of Route 2 in Milton. Approximately 1,500 dead fish were collected. In the results from the incident in the Wilmot River July 19, Raymond said the Environment Canada report indicates that the insecticide azinphos-methyl was detected in water samples from the steam system. In that incident, 6,500 dead fish were collected in a four-kilometre area east of Cairns Road through Marchbank's Pond in Wilmot Valley. Turning to the Clyde River, Raymond said the laboratory results show chlorothalonil was present in water samples taken from pools of standing water at the edge of fields adjacent to the stream. In this case, approximately 300 dead fish were collected over a 3.5-kilometre section of stream in the Kingston area. The Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment is continuing to investigate all of the incidents of fish mortalities in cooperation with Environment Canada and the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans. For more information, contact Bruce Raymond, Rivers & Estuaries Section Head, Water Resources, Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment by email at bgraymond@gov.pe.ca or phone (902) 368-5054. To change your subscription preferences visit www.gov.pe.ca/mailinglists.
----------------------------- NEWS RELEASE ----------------------------- November 8, 2002 DEPARTMENT RECEIVES FINAL LABORATORY RESULTS CHARLOTTETOWN, PEI -- The Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment has received the last of the laboratory analysis from nine incidents of fish mortalities this summer. Minister of Environment Chester Gillan said results of fish tissue analyses have been received from the Environment Canada laboratory in Moncton. Minister Gillan said the lab report indicates the insecticide azinphos-methyl was detected in fish collected during the initial investigation into the incident in the Wilmot River July 10. That event saw 4,500 fish collected over a five-kilometre stretch in the upper end of the Wilmot River, from Norboro to the area of Miller's Pond in Kelvin Grove. Results of water sample analyses reported in August also indicated that azinphos-methyl was detected in high concentrations in water samples taken from pools of standing water at the edge of fields adjacent to the stream. Minister Gillan said there were no pesticides detected in the fish tissue from the other incidents of fish mortalities; however, he cautions that result is not unexpected. "Pesticide products continue to degrade in fish tissue even after the fish has died, so from the time an incident occurs until investigators collect the samples and the laboratory is able to properly preserve them, any products that may have been in the fish tissue continue to break down," said Minister Gillan. "Beyond that, the analysis itself is difficult. There are so many organic compounds in a fish tissue sample as compared to a water sample, that it is much more difficult for laboratory technicians to extract any one particular product." Looking at the results of the laboratory analysis of water and sediment samples, as well as the circumstances surrounding the incidents, Minister Gillan said experts in the Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment have concluded that pesticides were the likely cause of at least seven of the nine incidents of fish mortalities this summer. "If we look at the circumstances of these incidents, they followed periods of heavy rainfall where there was evidence of runoff," he said. "As well, the water temperature and dissolved oxygen readings were normal in all cases, and there were no signs of infectious disease. And finally, pesticides were detected in water samples taken during the investigations." Because the number of fish collected was relatively small and limited to a short length of stream, Minister Gillan said there is some question about the cause of the fish mortalities which occurred in the Tryon River and the east branch of the Westmoreland River on August 20. "While pesticides may have been the cause of the fish mortalities, investigators have not been able to determine that conclusively in these two incidents," the minister added. Minister Gillan said Environment Canada is continuing to consider charges in four of the incidents of fish mortalities: the incidents reported July 10 and July 19 in the Wilmot River, and the incidents reported July 19 in the Clyde and North Rivers. He said the investigation has been closed on the other cases, either because the cause of the fish mortalities is not clear or there is insufficient evidence to proceed. For more information, contact Chester Gillan, Minister of Education, Education by email at jcgillan@gov.pe.ca or phone (902) 368-6410.
----------------------------- NEWS RELEASE ----------------------------- August 7, 2003 Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment FISH MORTALITIES REPORTED AT HATCHERY CHARLOTTETOWN, PEI -- The Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment is following up on a reported incident of fish mortalities at the Cardigan Fish Hatchery. Spokesperson Art Smith, Director of the Conservation and Management Division, said the hatchery advised the department that a number of arctic charr died following the heavy rainfall Wednesday. The fish, which were in outside holding ponds at the hatchery, were in the range of 1.0 to 1.5 pounds in size. "It appears that a variety of factors may have contributed to the deaths, but it does not appear to be a toxic event," Mr. Smith said. The fish involved were being treated for gill parasites and would be under stress from the treatment and, therefore, in a weakened condition. As well, Mr. Smith said, the heavy rainfall caused the water temperature to increase to 16 degrees Celcius, which would be another added stress for Arctic charr. A third contributing factor may have been siltation of the Cardigan River, which is a water source for the hatchery. However, Mr. Smith noted, the degree of siltation was not as great as that which was associated with an incident of fish mortalities at the hatchery late last month. At that time, an inland sand mining pit at the head of the river was identified as a source of siltation. The contractor has since taken steps to correct the situation. Mr. Smith said investigators checked the area following the heavy rain Wednesday and confirmed there was no runoff from the site. It does not appear that either the earlier incident or the incident this week caused mortalities of wild fish in the stream beside the hatchery facility. For more information, contact Art Smith, Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment by email at hasmith@gov.pe.ca or phone (902) 368-6083.
----------------------------- NEWS RELEASE ----------------------------- November 18, 2003 Governments Of Canada And Prince Edward Island To Research And Monitor Risks Of Pesticides Used In Agriculture CHARLOTTETOWN, PEI -- The Honourable David Anderson, CanadaÆs Minister of the Environment, and the Honourable Jamie Ballem, Minister of Environment and Energy for Prince Edward Island, today announced that the governments of Canada and PEI will work in cooperation with a number of partners over the next two years to conduct agricultural pesticide research and monitoring programs in Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick. ôI am pleased to announce the Government of CanadaÆs contribution of $460,000 from the new Pesticide Science Fund to support programs that will help establish a broader database of scientific information to better assess the impacts of pesticides on groundwater, surface water, air quality, and fish, while evaluating ways of reducing environmental damage, such as fish kills,ö said Minister Anderson. ôThe new Pesticide Science Fund will invest $7 million over the next five years to enhance the Government of Canada's knowledge base related to the environmental presence and effects of priority pesticides in Canada through nationally-coordinated research to improve our capacity for environmental protection and conservation.ö ôIn response to Islanders' concerns about the potential impacts of pesticide use, the Government of Prince Edward Island made a commitment in the 2003 provincial budget to ongoing, long-term monitoring of pesticide residues in the environment,ö said Minister Ballem. ôWith this additional funding, I am pleased to announce that the Province will invest $210,000 in this joint pesticide monitoring work. As well, the Department of Environment and Energy and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, Aquaculture and Forestry will provide staff support for the pesticide research initiative.ö Even when pesticides are used in accordance with label directions, there remains a risk of pesticide-related fish kills caused by rainfall events. Provincial and federal government personnel working in cooperation with the farming community have taken a number of measures over the past few years to try to reduce the impact of pesticides in the environment. The first program consists of research aimed at reducing the effects of pesticides in streams and rivers. It has six components that are now underway: assessing the toxicity of pesticides to fish; determining the amounts of pesticides in runoff water from agricultural land; determining the harmful effects of pesticide runoff in streams; determining how land management practices affect the amount of pesticide runoff; determining the effectiveness of riparian buffer zones in reducing pesticide runoff; and, developing models to accurately predict the amounts of pesticides that may end up in streams from runoff water. Under the second program monitoring of groundwater, surface water, the air, fish and shellfish will be conducted. This information will enable scientists to better evaluate the exposures of people and wildlife to pesticide residues. This program has four components: Groundwater monitoring will be undertaken at 30 domestic water supply wells in high-risk areas, and at an additional 60 selected domestic and public water supply wells in PEI. Surface water, sediment and runoff waters in three river systems that have had fish kills in the past will be monitored for pesticide residue under various rainfall and runoff situations. A number of surface water monitoring sites are also being established in agricultural areas of New Brunswick for comparative purposes. Air monitoring will be done at sites close to pesticide application areas in PEI. Fish and shellfish in PEI will be tested for pesticide residues. The other key contributors involved in these two programs include the New Brunswick Department of Environment and Local Government; the New Brunswick Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Aquaculture; the PEI Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, Aquaculture and Forestry; Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada; the University of Prince Edward Island; the University of New Brunswick; Saint MaryÆs University in Halifax, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency; as well as Fisheries and Oceans Canada. The results of these studies will be provided to the Pest Management Regulatory Agency, provincial government permitting departments, and community stakeholders to help develop better ways to prevent pesticides from entering watercourses through runoff, which may include best management practices. This initiative reflects a collaborative approach on the part of Environment Canada, Health Canada, and provincial governments to manage the risks associated with pesticide use. For more information, contact Sandra Lambe, Environment & Energy by email at selambe@gov.pe.ca or phone (902) 368-5286.

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