The Aurora Trout Recovery Strategy
A recovery strategy must now be developed within one to two years after a species is listed on the Wildlife Species at Risk. In 2006 a recovery plan was released for the Aurora Trout. These strategies help identify what needs to be accomplished for the complete restoration and protection of the species at risk. The ATRT (Aurora Trout Recovery Team) is a group that was formed to help succeed with the task of restoring the Aurora trout.Primary Goal
The primary goal of the ATRT is to maintain healthy and
self-sustaining populations in both Whirligig and Whitepine Lake
at a minimum biomass target of 13 kg/ha for Whirligig and 12
kg/ha for Whitepine Lake; A density of adult fish of 29 fish/ha
for Whirligig Lake and 20 fish/ha for Whitepine Lake and also a
fish population supporting each year class. These goals must
also be attained by refraining from any further human
intervention (liming).
Secondary Recovery Goals
* Establish a secure self-sustaining Aurora trout population in
one or two non-native lakes to act as a wild brood stock refuge
to native populations in Whirligig and Whitepine lakes.
* To clarify the taxonomic status of Aurora trout (determine if
the Aurora is distinguishable from the brook trout at a
molecular genetic level
* To maintain the captive breeding program
Recovery Feasibility
Self supporting populations of Aurora trout have been successfully restored in both of the 2 native lakes. Natural reproduction has been successful in Whirligig since 1990 and Whitepine since 1994. The most recent evaluation of the populations has proven that the population are in great condition with no signs of a missing year class. A missing year class would suggest that the lakes fish population are under acid stress. In 2001 and 2002 the lakes suffered short-term pH depressions but have since responded with a higher quality water control. Whirligig’s pH level came in at 5.1-5.3 and Whitepine supported a ph level of 5.1. No liming (powered calcite treatments) in either lake has been issued since 1995. This reaction neutralizes the acid in the water, therefore improving the pH level causing aluminum to convert to a nontoxic form. It seems that the survival of the Aurora trout can realistically come true with most of the threats eliminated or minimized.
The native lakes seem to be almost recovered from previous acidification and are currently reproducing naturally. These lakes will continue to be monitored with the expectation of not having to intervene with additional liming. If varying results are taken from the genetic taxonomic assessment, brook trout genes may be added to help increase diversity. Remember, as for most or all cold water species; effects of future climate change remain uncertain.