Rapport sur la situation du brochet d'amérique, Esox americanus americanus, au Canada

Abstract

In Canada, the Redfin Pickerel (Esox americanus americanus), is restricted to Quebec. The first Canadian record of Redfin Pickerel dates back to 1944. Its distribution is limited to the St. Lawrence River, between the Vetchères Islands and the mouth of the Godefroy River; Lake St. Paul; and the drainages of the Richelieu River, including Lake Champlain, the St. François River and the Yamaska River. The abundance of the Redfin Pickerel is difficult to assess because it is able to escape from several types of gear commonly used in fish surveys. Further, it prefers shallow grass beds, in which intensive inventories are seldom conducted. The only well-established populations seem to be those of the Upper Richelieu River and the Berthier Islands, where its abundance is stable. The primary threats to the survival of the Redfin Pickerel are believed to be dyke construction on farmland to prevent spring flooding and the drainage of grass beds. This subspecies has not been given any special protective status and is not the subject of specific regulations. There are, however, a few protected areas within its range, and the Quebec Act on the Conservation and Development of Wildlife protects fish habitat located on public land. The Redfin Pickerel has no commercial value.