Benthic Community Monitoring
Benthic invertebrates are organisms that inhabit the bottoms of lakes and streams. Midges, crayfish and aquatic beetles are just a few examples of such organisms. By monitoring the abundance or absence of some indicator species of benthic macroinvertebrates, the general health of individual streams can be determined. This is known as the Family Biotic Index which assigns a number to a family of benthic macroinvertebrates, based on their tolerance to organic pollution. The information gathered from assessing various sites across the watershed will help prioritize areas that need special attention.
Water Quality Monitoring
The aquatic ecosystem of the Sydenham River is under stress because of high nutrient and sediment loads. Water quality monitoring has indicated significant differences between the East and North Branches of the Sydenham River. Generally, the East Branch has better water quality. Nutrient levels, turbidity and chlorides (salt) are all higher in the North Branch. Turbidity measures the clarity of the water. The more suspended particles in the water the higher the turbidity. The East Branch is twice as clear as the North Branch. Nutrients come from both rural and urban sources such as manure, fertilizers, sewage treatment plants and faulty septic systems. Turbidity (caused by suspended particles in the river) comes from runoff from roads, parking lots, farm fields and other unprotected surfaces.
Species Research
A great deal of research is being done on species at risk in the Sydenham River. The river has been surveyed very carefully for mussels by researchers wading in the river and collecting mussels by hand. The mussels are identified, measured and counted and then placed back into the river. Most species are found in riffle areas – shallow, fast moving water. Fish are sampled using seine nets, traps and a technique called electrofishing. This involves temporarily stunning the fish with an electric charge. The fish float to the surface, are identified and released unharmed. Research work is being undertaken by the National Water Research Institute, University of Guelph, Royal Ontario Museum, Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and the St. Clair Region Conservation Authority.
2017-18 Project: Brown Creek Riparian Buffer Analysis
The purpose of the project was to assess the status of the riparian zone in the Brown Creek subwatershed and to report on quantity and quality of riparian buffers. The specific intent of the project was to identify riparian zones with a significant lack of vegetation, in an effort to target and guide future stewardship potential. The Authority undertook this project in partnership with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA).