A man from Nova Scotia who fishes in the Minas Basin has raised concerns about the negative impact of malfunctioning culverts on fish in the area. Darren Porter, a commercial fisherman and environmentalist, has observed instances where fish are severely injured or killed due to the design flaws of culverts. Porter highlighted a specific case at the Halfway River near Hantsport, N.S., where fish are propelled through culverts by strong currents during high tides, causing significant harm.
Documented cases of fish injuries include deep wounds, hemorrhaging, and even prolapse, indicating the severity of the issue. According to Thomas Sweeney, a habitat biologist with the Nova Scotia Salmon Association, a significant portion of the province’s water crossings present obstacles to fish passage, with approximately 50-60% of culverts causing problems in this regard.
An official report by Fisheries and Oceans Canada in 2023 revealed that between 45-57% of culverts in major Nova Scotia watersheds hinder fish movement, posing a threat to their populations. The impact is particularly severe on migratory species like salmon. Culvert issues range from damage, debris blockage, to poor design that either restricts water flow or allows excessive water velocity through the culverts.
Porter advocates for stricter enforcement of the Fisheries Act, especially Section 35, which prohibits the destruction of fish habitat. He believes that holding culvert owners accountable through legal measures will prompt compliance and ultimately resolve the problem. Culvert owners, including government agencies, municipalities, industries, and private landowners, are urged to address the issue to safeguard fish populations.
While Nova Scotia’s Department of Public Works, a major culvert owner, acknowledged the impact on fish passage, it does not actively track the number of culverts affecting fish habitats. Efforts to improve culvert management and prioritize repairs with limited resources are deemed crucial by experts like Sweeney. Public engagement through programs like adopt-a-stream can aid in assessing and monitoring culverts to address the issue systematically.
Efficient tracking and enforcement mechanisms are essential to mitigate the challenges posed by faulty culverts and protect fish populations. The need for collaborative efforts between stakeholders and government agencies remains paramount in addressing this environmental concern.