White sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) recovery strategy: chapter 4

8.4 Nechako River Population

In the Nechako system, white sturgeon occur from the confluence with the Fraser River, upstream to Cheslatta Falls including Fraser Lake, and through much of the Stuart River watershed, a major tributary.  This population is referred to as Nechako River white sturgeon.  Data indicate limited movement of Nechako white sturgeon into the Fraser; however, feeding at the Fraser River confluence has been observed.  Current distribution in the Nechako may be limited by population declines and the alteration of flows (and related effects) below Kenney Dam (NWSRI 2005).

The information base for the Nechako white sturgeon population is substantial, based on many years of intensive study.  High use habitats have been identified for all life stages, and this information is summarized in Table 9.  As additional information is collected through recruitment failure diagnosis, it will become possible to refine existing information on critical habitat.

Table 9. Summary of information base for white sturgeon critical habitats in the Nechako system. An empty cell means that the life stage does not consistently use the habitat. The table has two main columns from left to right: Location (see Figure 14 for basin overview) and Confirmed (Checkmark), Suspected (S), or Possible (question mark) Use by Life Stage and Degree of Use (H=High, M=Moderate, L=Low). The latter column has seven sub-columns from left to right: Spawn, Yolk sac larvae/feeding larvae, Early juvenile, Late Juvenile and Adult, Overwintering, Staging, and Overall assessment. Directly below column headings are 14 rows, read from left to right.

Row 1: Vanderhoof braided section, checkmark (H), checkmark (H), empty cell, empty cell, empty cell, checkmark (H), Critical.  Row 2: Sinkut River Confluence, empty cell, empty cell, checkmark (H), checkmark (H), checkmark (H), checkmark (H), Critical. Row 3: Leduc Creek Confluence, empty cell, empty cell, checkmark (H), checkmark (H), checkmark (H), checkmark (H), Critical. Row 4: Finmoore, empty cell, empty cell, checkmark (H), checkmark (H), empty cell, empty cell, Critical. Row 5: Keilor's Point, empty cell, empty cell, checkmark (H), checkmark (H), checkmark (M) checkmark (M), Critical. Row 6: Culvert Hole, empty cell, empty cell, question mark (H), empty cell, checkmark (M), empty cell, Critical. Row 7: Powerline, empty cell, empty cell, question mark (H), empty cell, checkmark (M), empty cell, Critical. Row 8: Sturgeon Point, empty cell, empty cell, empty cell, checkmark (M), (S) M, empty cell, Critical. Row 9: Pinchi Bay on Stuart Lake, empty cell, empty cell, empty cell, checkmark (H), (checkmark) M, empty cell, Critical. Row 10: Tachie River Confluence with Stuart Lake, empty cell, empty cell, empty cell, checkmark (H), (checkmark) M, empty cell, Critical. Row 11: Lower Half of Stuart Lake, empty cell, empty cell, empty cell, checkmark (M), (S) M, empty cell, Critical. Row 12: Middle River, empty cell, empty cell, empty cell, checkmark (M), (S) M, empty cell, Critical. Row 13: Confluence with Trembleur Lake, empty cell, empty cell, empty cell, empty cell, empty cell, empty cell, empty cell. Row 14: Fraser Lake, empty cell, empty cell, empty cell, checkmark (M), (S) M, empty cell, Critical.   

Table 9.  Summary of information base for white sturgeon critical habitats in the Nechako system.  A blank cell means that present data indicate the life stage does not consistently use the habitat.
Location
(see Figure 14 for basin overview)
Spawn Yolk sac larvae and feeding larvae Early juvenile Late Juvenile and Adult Overwintering Staging Overall Assessment
Vanderhoof braided section (√) H (√) H       (√) H Critical
Sinkut River Confluence     (√) H (√) H (√) H (√) H Critical
Leduc Creek Confluence     (√) H (√) H (√) H (√) H Critical
Finmoore     (√) H (√) H     Critical
Keilor's Point     (√) H (√) H (√) M (√) M Critical
Culvert Hole     (?) H   (√) M   Critical
Powerline     (?) H   (√) M   Critical
Sturgeon Point       (√) M (S) M   Critical
Pinchi Bay on Stuart Lake       (√) H (√) M   Critical
Tachie River Confluence with Stuart Lake       (√) H (√) M   Critical
Lower Half of Stuart Lake       (√) M (S) M   Critical
Middle River Confluence with Trembleur Lake       (√) M (S) M   Critical
Fraser Lake       (√) M (S) M   Critical

Confirmed (√), Suspected (S), or Possible (?) Use by Life Stage and Degree of Use (H=High, M=Moderate, L=Low)

8.4.1 Biophysical Functions, Features and Attributes of Critical Habitat – Nechako River Population

Table 10 summarizes the critical habitat function(s), features and attributes, to the extent possible, for the Nechako population of white sturgeon.

Table 10. This table provides a summary of the biophysical features, functions, attributes and locations of critical habitat for Nechako white sturgeon. The first column describes the geographic locations of the critical habitat, which encompass areas within the Nechako River where white sturgeon reside. The second column indicates the life stage that uses each respective critical habitat area. The third column indicates the function that the particular life stage undertakes in each area. The fourth column describes the critical habitat feature that provides the function, and the fifth column details the attributes that the critical habitat feature must have in order to provide the biological function needed to support Nechako River white sturgeon survival or recovery. The final column contains notes.

Table 10.  Summary of the biophysical functions, features, attributes and locations of critical habitat for Nechako white sturgeon.
Geographic Location Life Stage Function Feature(s) Attribute(s) Notes
Vanderhoof braided section Yolk Sac Larvae Rearing Hydraulic conditions particular to this location, see attributes
  • Water temperatures of 10.6 -14ºC are considered suitable for this life stage in the Nechako system.
  • Rapid fluctuations in flow and temperature extremes are considered detrimental
  • Gravel to cobble substrate with interstitial spaces; created and maintained by conditions on site
  • Optimal water velocities would be primarily determined by their ability to maintain site dependence and exclude some fish predation (e.g. velocity greater than 0.8 m/sec-1 has been suggested at the Waneta spawning area)
  • Flow requirements will be site dependent, specifics currently unknown

The only confirmed location for spawning in the Nechako River.  The precise spawning site in this area might change from year to year depending on flow conditions. 

Larval development includes the period from hatch to exogenous feeding (0 to ~12 days at 15ºC). Critical habitat during this period will be located in the braided section of the Nechako River near Vanderhoof, extending downstream beyond the boundaries of the spawning and incubation area.  Because studies are ongoing, its downstream extent cannot be defined with certainty at this time.

Rearing areas are used from May to July.

Habitat utilization by feeding larvae at this site is uncertain due to its small size, residence in large rivers, and possibly its nocturnal activity pattern.  Despite this uncertainty, research attention is likely best focussed on spawning/incubation/hiding habitat which appears to have a stronger link to the causes of decline.

Rearing areas are used from May to July.

Staging areas are used from November to July.

Feeding Larvae Rearing
Feeding

Food availability often associated with:

Benthic substrates

  • Important attributes include those that provide cover (e.g. substrate, woody debris, vegetation, turbidity) and lead to increased food supply (e.g. increased benthic invertebrate production, riparian inputs)
  • Non-embedded substrates may provide greater food production; gravel and cobble
  • Rapid fluctuations in flow and temperature are likely detrimental
  • Increases in velocity may negatively affect substrates and as a result food resources, suitability of habitat
Adult Staging

Deep pools

Runs (between deeper pools)

 

  • Precise depth criteria unknown and will be site specific, possibly 2-15m
  • Depth must be sufficient to allow for sturgeon passage or access to spawning sites
  • Local structures that provide areas of  decreased water velocity relative to mainstem habitat
  • Temperature 11-13ºC; temperature above optimal range of spawning is detrimental to staging
  • Connectivity between habitats
  • Isolation from disruption and disturbance
Spawning and incubation Hydraulic conditions particular to this location, see attributes
  • Water velocity; localized velocities in specific reaches may be the attractant or driver for spawning site selection. Spawning tends to occur in higher velocity chutes within the spawning reach.
  • Mean water column velocities at most spawning sites typically range from 0.5 to 2.5 m/sec-1
  • Flow conditions - descending limb of freshet
  • Water temperatures of 10.6 -14ºC are considered suitable for this life stage in the Nechako system; temperature currently may be above optimal range for spawning and incubation
  • Coarse substrates, gravel to cobble providing interstitial spaces
  • Isolation from disruption and disturbance

Sinkut River Confluence
Leduc Creek Confluence

Keilor’s Point

Early Juvenile Rearing
Feeding

Deeper pools and adjacent areas that provide resting and feeding opportunities
 
And food availability often associated with the above

 

  • Sufficient food for growth (largely invertebrates, possibly small fish)
  • Depth 15cm – 15m and cover to avoid predation
  • Connectivity via mainstem river to other rearing/feeding areas
  • Temperature varies according to natural thermal regime.  Water temperatures of 10.6 -14ºC are considered suitable for this life stage in the Nechako system.
  • Rapid fluctuations in flow and temperature extremes could be detrimental
  • Low velocity, deeper habitats are preferred

There has been confirmed use of early juveniles at kms 110, 116, and 125. 

Juveniles can occupy all depths.

Rearing and feeding areas are used all year

Feeding areas are used all year

Overwintering areas are used from September to May, all year for early juveniles. Connectivity may be an issue during low flows

Staging areas are used from November to July.

Late Juvenile and Adult Feeding

Food availability often associated with:

Deep pools and adjacent feeding areas

  • Depth range of 1-15m used
  • Low energy environments adjacent to feeding areas (confluence)
  • Source of fish and invertebrates, preferably salmonids
  • Connectivity between habitats
  • Isolation from disruption and disturbance
Overwintering

Deep pools

Runs

Eddies

  • Depth range 3-15m site dependent
  • Isolation from disruption and disturbance
  • Low velocity environment
Adult Staging

Deep pools

Runs

 

  • Temperature 11-13ºC; temperature above optimal range of spawning is detrimental to staging
  • Precise depth criteria unknown, sufficient to allow for sturgeon passage or access to spawning sites
  • Isolation from disruption and disturbance
Finmoore Late Juvenile and Adult Feeding

Food availability often associated with:

Deep pools

Confluence with tributary that provides spawning habitat for salmon

  • Depth of 4 – 9m
  • Difference in temperature (gradient) at confluence between river and tributaries
  • Source of fish and invertebrates, preferably salmonids
  • Sufficient quality and quantity of food for survival

Confirmed high use site.

Feeding areas are used all year.

Overwintering use is unknown, but habitat is suitable for overwintering and necessary for recovery.

Overwintering Feature(s) not confirmed
  • Attribute(s) not confirmed

Culvert Hole

Powerline

Early Juvenile Rearing
Feeding

Deeper pools and adjacent areas that provide resting and feeding opportunities
 
And food availability often associated with the above

 

  • Sufficient food for growth (largely invertebrates, possibly small fish)
  • Depth 15cm – 15m and cover to avoid predation
  • Connectivity via mainstem river to other rearing/feeding areas
  • Temperature varies according to natural thermal regime.  Water temperatures of 10.6 -14ºC are considered suitable for this life stage in the Nechako system.
  • Rapid fluctuations in flow and temperature extremes could be detrimental
  • Low velocity, deeper habitats are preferred

Confirmed use of fish less than 1m in length.

Rearing areas are used all year.

Adult feeding use is unknown, however salmon have been observed in area so potential exists.

Staging areas are used from November to July.

Adult Feeding Feature(s) not confirmed
  • Attribute(s) not confirmed
  Staging

Deep pools

Runs (between deep pools)

 

  • Temperature 11-13ºC ; temperature above optimal range of spawning detrimental to staging
  • Precise depth criteria unknown, sufficient to allow for sturgeon passage or access to spawning sites
  • Isolation from disruption and disturbance

Tachie River Confluence with Stuart Lake

Pinchi Bay on Stuart Lake

Middle River Confluence with Trembleur Lake

Late Juvenile and Adult Feeding

Food availability often associated with:

Migration corridors and confluence with tributaries that provide spawning habitat for salmon and mussel beds

  • Access to lakes
  • Salmon concentration site at Tachie R. and Middle R. confluence
  • Mussel beds and tributary confluences at Pinchi Bay
  • Sufficient quality and quantity of food for survival, including mussels, salmon (particularly Sockeye), and other fishes
  • Suitable escapement of sockeye to lake
  • Isolation from disruption and disturbance

Confirmed high use site.

Feeding areas are used all year.

Overwintering use is unknown.

Overwintering Feature(s) not confirmed
  • Attribute(s) not confirmed
Sturgeon Point Late Juvenile and Adult Feeding Feature(s) not confirmed
  • Attribute(s) not confirmed
 

Lower Half of Stuart Lake

Fraser Lake

 

Late Juvenile and Adult Feeding

Food availability often associated with:

Lake habitat  and migration corridors to confluences

  • Sufficient quality and quantity of food for survival, including mussels, salmon (particularly Sockeye), and other fishes
  • Suitable escapement of sockeye to lake
  • Access to lakes
  • Isolation from disruption and disturbance

Essential holding and feeding area (based on captures and historical information). 

The lower half of Stuart Lake is critical, but it is not known if the rest of the lake is. It should be noted however, that the whole lake has to be functional in order for there to be adequate productivity.

Fraser Lake is an essential feeding area for white sturgeon. In addition, access and the productivity of the lake is also essential to white sturgeon survival and recovery. Therefore, the designation takes into account both the direct use of the lake for feeding and the indirect, but equally significant, attribute of connectivity and food production/abundance. Fish spend significant time in these areas and usually do this in between spawning (however, use of this site is not limited to spawners).

Feeding areas are used all year.

Overwintering

 

Feature(s) not confirmed
  • Attribute(s) not confirmed

 

8.4.2 Geographic Identification of Critical Habitat – Nechako River Population

The following locations of the critical habitat’s functions, features and attributes have been identified using the critical habitat parcel approach.

Figure 14.  Reference map for locations of Nechako River white sturgeon critical habitats.

Figure 14. This is a map of the Nechako River system showing an overview of critical habitat locations. Critical habitat includes aquatic habitat features and attributes that Nechako River white sturgeon use to carry out life functions. Thirteen locations centered roughly around Fort St. James are labelled on a map of British Columbia as follows: Mid River Confluence, Tachie River Confluence, Pinchi Bay, Lower Half Stuart Lake, Fraser Lake, Vanderhoof Braided Section, Culvert Hole, Leduc Creek Confluence, Powerline Crossing, Keilor’s Point, Sinkut River, Nechako Finmoore, and Sturgeon Point. A scale and legend are provided along with an inset map showing locations are primarily in the Omineca zone of British Columbia. The map is oriented in a “north is up” direction.

map

Figure 15.  Map of critical habitat for Nechako River white sturgeon: Vanderhoof braided section of the Nechako River.

Figure 15 is a map of a section of the Nechako River, British Columbia, showing the critical habitat location Vanderhoof Braided Section. The map depicts a polygon that has been identified as critical habitat for Nechako River white sturgeon. In the identified polygon, critical habitat includes aquatic habitat features and attributes that Nechako River white sturgeon use to carry out life functions. The coordinates denoting various points of the polygon’s boundary are listed in Table 11. The critical habitat polygon in the Vanderhoof Braided Section of the Nechako River map is also labeled with codes that correspond to codes used to identify the polygon in Table 11.The boundaries of the Nechako Migratory Bird Sanctuary are highlighted in a contrasting black and white pattern. A scale of 1:39,000 and a legend are provided along with an inset map showing locations are primarily in the Omineca zone of British Columbia. The map is oriented in a “north is up” direction.

map

Figure 16.  Map of critical habitat for Nechako white sturgeon: Sinkut River confluence with the Nechako River.

Figure 16. Figure 16 is a map of a section of the Nechako River, British Columbia, showing the critical habitat location Sinkut River confluence with the Nechako River. The map depicts a polygon that has been identified as critical habitat for Nechako River white sturgeon. In the identified polygon, critical habitat includes aquatic habitat features and attributes that Nechako River white sturgeon use to carry out life functions. The coordinates denoting various points of the polygon’s boundary are listed in Table 11. The critical habitat polygon in the Sinkut River confluence with the Nechako River map is also labeled with codes that correspond to codes used to identify the polygon in Table 11. A scale of 1:12,000 and legend are provided along with an inset map showing locations are primarily in the Omineca zone of British Columbia. The map is oriented in a “north is up” direction.

map

Figure 17.  Map of critical habitat for Nechako River white sturgeon: Leduc Creek confluence with the Nechako River.

Figure 17. Figure 17 is a map of a section of the Nechako River, British Columbia, showing the critical habitat location Leduc Creek confluence with the Nechako River. The map depicts a polygon that has been identified as critical habitat for Nechako River white sturgeon. In the identified polygon, critical habitat includes aquatic habitat features and attributes that Nechako River white sturgeon use to carry out life functions. The coordinates denoting various points of the polygon’s boundary are listed in Table 11. The critical habitat polygon in the Leduc Creek confluence with the Nechako River map is also labeled with codes that correspond to codes used to identify the polygon in Table 11. A scale of 1:10,000 and legend are provided along with an inset map showing locations are primarily in the Omineca zone of British Columbia. The map is oriented in a “north is up” direction.

map

Figure 18.  Map of critical habitat for Nechako River white sturgeon: Finmoore.

Figure 18. Figure 18 is a map of a section of the Nechako River, British Columbia, showing the critical habitat location Finmoore. The map depicts a polygon that has been identified as critical habitat for Nechako River white sturgeon. In the identified polygon, critical habitat includes aquatic habitat features and attributes that Nechako River white sturgeon use to carry out life functions. The coordinates denoting various points of the polygon’s boundary are listed in Table 11. The critical habitat polygon in the Finmoore map is also labeled with codes that correspond to codes used to identify the polygon in Table 11. A scale of 1:50,000 and legend are provided along with an inset map showing locations are primarily in the Omineca zone of British Columbia. The map is oriented in a “north is up” direction.

map

Figure 19.  Map of critical habitat for Nechako River white sturgeon: Keilor’s Point.

Figure 19. Figure 19 is a map of a section of the Nechako River, British Columbia, showing the critical habitat location Keilor’s Point. The map depicts a polygon that has been identified as critical habitat for Nechako River white sturgeon. In the identified polygon, critical habitat includes aquatic habitat features and attributes that Nechako River white sturgeon use to carry out life functions. The coordinates denoting various points of the polygon’s boundary are listed in Table 11. The critical habitat polygon in the Keilor’s Point map is also labeled with codes that correspond to codes used to identify the polygon in Table 11. A scale of 1:10,000 and legend are provided along with an inset map showing locations are primarily in the Omineca zone of British Columbia. The map is oriented in a “north is up” direction.

map

Figure 20.  Map of critical habitat for Nechako River white sturgeon: Culvert Hole.

Figure 20. Figure 20 is a map of a section of the Nechako River, British Columbia, showing the critical habitat location Culvert Hole. The map depicts a polygon that has been identified as critical habitat for Nechako River white sturgeon. In the identified polygon, critical habitat includes aquatic habitat features and attributes that Nechako River white sturgeon use to carry out life functions. The coordinates denoting various points of the polygon’s boundary are listed in Table 11. The critical habitat polygon in the Culvert Hole map is also labeled with codes that correspond to codes used to identify the polygon in Table 11. A scale of 1:4,500 and legend are provided along with an inset map showing locations are primarily in the Omineca zone of British Columbia. The map is oriented in a “north is up” direction.

map

Figure 21.  Map of critical habitat for Nechako River white sturgeon: Powerline.

Figure 21. Figure 21 is a map of a section of the Nechako River, British Columbia, showing the critical habitat location Powerline. The map depicts a polygon that has been identified as critical habitat for Nechako River white sturgeon. In the identified polygon, critical habitat includes aquatic habitat features and attributes that Nechako River white sturgeon use to carry out life functions. The coordinates denoting various points of the polygon’s boundary are listed in Table 11. The critical habitat polygon in the Powerline map is also labeled with codes that correspond to codes used to identify the polygon in Table 11. A scale of 1:7,000 and legend are provided along with an inset map showing locations are primarily in the Omineca zone of British Columbia. The map is oriented in a “north is up” direction.

map

Figure 22.  Map of critical habitat for Nechako River white sturgeon: Sturgeon Point.

Figure 22. Figure 22 is a map of a section of the Stuart River, British Columbia, showing the critical habitat location Sturgeon Point. The map depicts a polygon that has been identified as critical habitat for Nechako River white sturgeon. In the identified polygon, critical habitat includes aquatic habitat features and attributes that Nechako River white sturgeon use to carry out life functions. The coordinates denoting various points of the polygon’s boundary are listed in Table 11. The critical habitat polygon in the Sturgeon Point map is also labeled with codes that correspond to codes used to identify the polygon in Table 11. A scale of 1:11,000 and legend are provided along with an inset map showing locations are primarily in the Omineca zone of British Columbia. The map is oriented in a “north is up” direction.

map

Figure 23.  Map of critical habitat for Nechako River white sturgeon: Pinchi Bay on Stuart Lake.

Figure 23. Figure 23 is a map of a section of Stuart Lake, British Columbia, showing the critical habitat location Pinchi Bay on Stuart Lake. The map depicts a polygon that has been identified as critical habitat for Nechako River white sturgeon. In the identified polygon, critical habitat includes aquatic habitat features and attributes that Nechako River white sturgeon use to carry out life functions. The coordinates denoting various points of the polygon’s boundary are listed in Table 11. The critical habitat polygon in the Pinchi Bay on Stuart Lake map is also labeled with codes that correspond to codes used to identify the polygon in Table 11. A scale of 1:25,000 and legend are provided along with an inset map showing locations are primarily in the Omineca zone of British Columbia. The map is oriented in a “north is up” direction.

map

Figure 24.  Map of critical habitat for Nechako River white sturgeon: Tachie River confluence with Stuart Lake.

Figure 24. Figure 24 is a map of a section of Stuart Lake, British Columbia, showing the critical habitat location Tachie River confluence with Stuart Lake. The map depicts a polygon that has been identified as critical habitat for Nechako River white sturgeon. In the identified polygon, critical habitat includes aquatic habitat features and attributes that Nechako River white sturgeon use to carry out life functions. The coordinates denoting various points of the polygon’s boundary are listed in Table 11. The critical habitat polygon in the Tachie River confluence with Stuart Lake map is also labeled with codes that correspond to codes used to identify the polygon in Table 11. A scale of 1:22,000 and legend are provided along with an inset map showing locations are primarily in the Omineca zone of British Columbia. The map is oriented in a “north is up” direction.

map

Figure 25.  Map of critical habitat for Nechako River white sturgeon: Lower Half of Stuart Lake.

Figure 25. Figure 25 is a map of a section of Stuart Lake, British Columbia, showing the critical habitat location Lower Half of Stuart Lake. The map depicts a polygon that has been identified as critical habitat for Nechako River white sturgeon. In the identified polygon, critical habitat includes aquatic habitat features and attributes that Nechako River white sturgeon use to carry out life functions. The coordinates denoting various points of the polygon’s boundary are listed in Table 11. The critical habitat polygon in the Lower Half of Stuart Lake map is also labeled with codes that correspond to codes used to identify the polygon in Table 11. A scale of 1:110,000 and legend are provided along with an inset map showing locations are primarily in the Omineca zone of British Columbia. The map is oriented in a “north is up” direction.

map

Figure 26.  Map of critical habitat for Nechako River white sturgeon: Middle River confluence with Trembleur Lake.

Figure 26. Figure 26 is a map of a section of Trembleur Lake, British Columbia, showing the critical habitat location Middle River confluence with Trembleur Lake. The map depicts a polygon that has been identified as critical habitat for Nechako River white sturgeon. In the identified polygon, critical habitat includes aquatic habitat features and attributes that Nechako River white sturgeon use to carry out life functions. The coordinates denoting various points of the polygon’s boundary are listed in Table 11. The critical habitat polygon in the Middle River confluence with Trembleur Lake map is also labeled with codes that correspond to codes used to identify the polygon in Table 11. A scale of 1:21,000 and legend are provided along with an inset map showing locations are primarily in the Omineca zone of British Columbia. The map is oriented in a “north is up” direction.

map

Figure 27.  Map of critical habitat for Nechako River white sturgeon: Fraser Lake and Nautley River confluence with the Nechako River.

Figure 27. Figure 27 is a map of Fraser Lake, British Columbia, showing the critical habitat locations of Fraser Lake and the Nautley River confluence with the Nechako River. The map depicts two polygons that have been identified as critical habitat for Nechako River white sturgeon. In the identified polygons, critical habitat includes aquatic habitat features and attributes that Nechako River white sturgeon use to carry out life functions. The coordinates denoting various points of the polygons’ boundaries are listed in Table 11. The critical habitat polygons in Fraser Lake and the Nautley River confluence with the Nechako River map are also labeled with codes that correspond to codes used to identify the polygons in Table 11. A scale of 1:149,000 and legend are provided along with an inset map showing locations are primarily in the Omineca zone of British Columbia. The map is oriented in a “north is up” direction.

map

Table 11. Geographic Coordinates of Critical Habitat Areas for Nechako River white sturgeon. A footnote on the word “coordinates” in the previous sentence states the following: Coordinate points were digitized using various orthophotos provided by Fisheries and Oceans Canada. The resolution of the various orthophotos varied significantly - ranging from 0.2 m cell size to 24 m cell size. This should be taken into consideration when evaluating the accuracy of the coordinates associated with these points. For geographic coordinate points, their boundary represents the annual high water mark (Hatfield et al. 2012). Note: For the Nechako River, relative locations are measured as “river kilometers”, which increase from the river mouth (Rkm 0) upstream to the farthest extent possible.

The table has eight columns read left to right: Critical Habitat Name, Coordinate Marker, Waterbody, River Kilometer, Latitude (DD), Longitude (DD), Latitude (DMS), Longitude (DMS). DD refers to Decimal Degrees and DMS refers to Degrees, Minutes, Seconds. Directly below the column headings there are 87 rows. Four rows correspond to the Nechako – Culvert Hole area, six to the Nechako – Finmoore area, 13 to the Nechako – Fraser Lake area, four to the Nechako – Keilor’s Point area, four to the Nechako – Leduc Creek Confluence area, five to the Nechako – Lower Half of Stuart Lake area, 10 to the Nechako – Middle River Confluence with Trembleur area, 11 to the Nechako – Pinchi Bay on Stuart Lake area, four to the Nechako – Powerline area, four to the Nechako – Sinkut River Confluence area, four to the Nechako – Sturgeon Point area, eight to the Nechako – Tachie River Confluence with Stuart Lake area, and 10 to the Nechako – Vanderhoof Braided Section area.

Table 11. Geographic Coordinates 12 of Critical Habitat Areas for Nechako River white sturgeon.
Critical Habitat Name Coordinate Marker Waterbody River Kilometer Latitude (DD) Longitude (DD) Latitude (DMS) Longitude (DMS)
Nechako - Culvert Hole Nr-CH1 Nechako River 132.2 54.011 -123.975 54° 0' 40" N 123° 58' 30" W
Nechako - Culvert Hole Nr-CH2 Nechako River 132.2 54.010 -123.975 54° 0' 38" N 123° 58' 28" W
Nechako - Culvert Hole Nr-CH3 Nechako River 132.8 54.011 -123.984 54° 0' 41" N 123° 59' 3" W
Nechako - Culvert Hole Nr-CH4 Nechako River 132.8 54.012 -123.982 54° 0' 43" N 123° 58' 56" W
Nechako - Finmoore Nr-FMR1 Nechako River 90.3 53.993 -123.525 53° 59' 36" N 123° 31' 30" W
Nechako - Finmoore Nr-FMR2 Nechako River 90.3 53.993 -123.524 53° 59' 33" N 123° 31' 26" W
Nechako - Finmoore Nr-FMR3 Nechako River 98.4 53.983 -123.634 53° 58' 59" N 123° 38' 2" W
Nechako - Finmoore Nr-FMR4 Nechako River 98.4 53.984 -123.636 53° 59' 3" N 123° 38' 10" W
Nechako - Finmoore Nr-FMR5 Stuart River 0.2 53.990 -123.542 53° 59' 24" N 123° 32' 33" W
Nechako - Finmoore Nr-FMR6 Stuart River 0.2 53.989 -123.539 53° 59' 21" N 123° 32' 22" W
Nechako - Fraser Lake Nr-FL1 Nechako River 191.3 54.084 -124.582 54° 5' 1" N 124° 34' 56" W
Nechako - Fraser Lake Nr-FL2 Nechako River 191.3 54.083 -124.583 54° 4' 59" N 124° 34' 57" W
Nechako - Fraser Lake Nr-FL3 Nechako River 192.3 54.079 -124.589 54° 4' 45" N 124° 35' 20" W
Nechako - Fraser Lake Nr-FL4 Nechako River 192.3 54.079 -124.590 54° 4' 45" N 124° 35' 25" W
Nechako - Fraser Lake Nr-FL5 Nautley River 0.5 54.085 -124.595 54° 5' 7" N 124° 35' 42" W
Nechako - Fraser Lake Nr-FL6 Nautley River 0.5 54.086 -124.595 54° 5' 8" N 124° 35' 42" W
Nechako - Fraser Lake Nr-FL7 Fraser Lake 1.0 54.086 -124.602 54° 5' 9" N 124° 36' 8" W
Nechako - Fraser Lake Nr-FL8 Fraser Lake 1.0 54.085 -124.602 54° 5' 7" N 124° 36' 8" W
Nechako - Fraser Lake Nr-FL9 Stellako River   54.046 -124.906 54° 2' 46" N 124° 54' 20" W
Nechako - Fraser Lake Nr-FL10 Stellako River   54.050 -124.894 54° 2' 59" N 124° 53' 37" W
Nechako - Fraser Lake Nr-FL11 Stellako River   54.052 -124.887 54° 3' 6" N 124° 53' 13" W
Nechako - Fraser Lake Nr-FL12 Fraser Lake   54.060 -124.899 54° 3' 37" N 124° 53' 56" W
Nechako - Fraser Lake Nr-FL13 Fraser Lake   54.100 -124.847 54° 5' 59" N 124° 50' 50" W
Nechako - Keilor's Point Nr-KP1 Nechako River 109.6 53.967 -123.785 53° 58' 3" N 123° 47' 7" W
Nechako - Keilor's Point Nr-KP2 Nechako River 109.6 53.966 -123.788 53° 57' 59" N 123° 47' 15" W
Nechako - Keilor's Point Nr-KP3 Nechako River 110.8 53.971 -123.798 53° 58' 14" N 123° 47' 52" W
Nechako - Keilor's Point Nr-KP4 Nechako River 110.8 53.970 -123.796 53° 58' 14" N 123° 47' 45" W
Nechako - Leduc Creek Confluence Nr-LCC1 Nechako River 124.8 54.007 -123.918 54° 0' 23" N 123° 55' 4" W
Nechako - Leduc Creek Confluence Nr-LCC2 Nechako River 124.8 54.006 -123.919 54° 0' 21" N 123° 55' 7" W
Nechako - Leduc Creek Confluence Nr-LCC3 Nechako River 126.2 54.012 -123.927 54° 0' 42" N 123° 55' 36" W
Nechako - Leduc Creek Confluence Nr-LCC4 Nechako River 126.2 54.013 -123.928 54° 0' 46" N 123° 55' 39" W
Nechako - Lower Half of Stuart Lake Nr-LHSL1 Stuart River 109.3 54.417 -124.271 54° 25' 1" N 124° 16' 14" W
Nechako - Lower Half of Stuart Lake Nr-LHSL2 Stuart River 109.3 54.417 -124.272 54° 25' 1" N 124° 16' 20" W
Nechako - Lower Half of Stuart Lake Nr-LHSL3 Stuart Lake 13.2 54.453 -124.482 54° 27' 12" N 124° 28' 55" W
Nechako - Lower Half of Stuart Lake Nr-LHSL4 Stuart Lake 13.2 54.476 -124.428 54° 28' 34" N 124° 25' 41" W
Nechako - Lower Half of Stuart Lake Nr-LHSL5 Stuart Lake 13.2 54.497 -124.378 54° 29' 49" N 124° 22' 41" W
Nechako - Middle River Confluence with Trembleur Lake Nr-MRTL1 Middle River 1.4 54.872 -125.138 54° 52' 20" N 125° 8' 16" W
Nechako - Middle River Confluence with Trembleur Lake Nr-MRTL2 Middle River 1.4 54.873 -125.137 54° 52' 23" N 125° 8' 13" W
Nechako - Middle River Confluence with Trembleur Lake Nr-MRTL3 Trembleur Lake 13.5 54.867 -125.116 54° 52' 2" N 125° 6' 59" W
Nechako - Middle River Confluence with Trembleur Lake Nr- MRTL4 Trembleur Lake   54.878 -125.105 54° 52' 41" N 125° 6' 16" W
Nechako - Middle River Confluence with Trembleur Lake Nr- MRTL5 Trembleur Lake   54.872 -125.095 54° 52' 19" N 125° 5' 42" W
Nechako - Middle River Confluence with Trembleur Lake Nr- MRTL6 Trembleur Lake 11.2 54.860 -125.095 54° 51' 38" N 125° 5' 41" W
Nechako - Middle River Confluence with Trembleur Lake Nr- MRTL7 Trembleur Lake   54.852 -125.107 54° 51' 7" N 125° 6' 26" W
Nechako - Middle River Confluence with Trembleur Lake Nr- MRTL8 Trembleur Lake   54.852 -125.123 54° 51' 6" N 125° 7' 21" W
Nechako - Middle River Confluence with Trembleur Lake Nr- MRTL9 Trembleur Lake   54.854 -125.129 54° 51' 13" N 125° 7' 44" W
Nechako - Middle River Confluence with Trembleur Lake Nr-MRTL10 Trembleur Lake 0.0 54.865 -125.120 54° 51' 55" N 125° 7' 13" W
Nechako - Pinchi Bay on Stuart Lake Nr-PBSL1 Pinchi Creek   54.567 -124.484 54° 34' 0" N 124° 29' 3" W
Nechako - Pinchi Bay on Stuart Lake Nr-PBSL2 Stuart Lake   54.562 -124.486 54° 33' 44" N 124° 29' 8" W
Nechako - Pinchi Bay on Stuart Lake Nr-PBSL3 Stuart Lake   54.562 -124.487 54° 33' 43" N 124° 29' 12" W
Nechako - Pinchi Bay on Stuart Lake Nr-PBSL4 Stuart Lake   54.563 -124.489 54° 33' 46" N 124° 29' 19" W
Nechako - Pinchi Bay on Stuart Lake Nr- PBSL5 Stuart Lake   54.558 -124.474 54° 33' 30" N 124° 28' 25" W
Nechako - Pinchi Bay on Stuart Lake Nr- PBSL6 Stuart Lake   54.556 -124.488 54° 33' 21" N 124° 29' 18" W
Nechako - Pinchi Bay on Stuart Lake Nr-PBSL7 Stuart Lake   54.557 -124.498 54° 33' 24" N 124° 29' 53" W
Nechako - Pinchi Bay on Stuart Lake Nr- PBSL8 Stuart Lake   54.559 -124.502 54° 33' 32" N 124° 30' 9" W
Nechako - Pinchi Bay on Stuart Lake Nr- PBSL9 Stuart Lake   54.564 -124.507 54° 33' 52" N 124° 30' 24" W
Nechako - Pinchi Bay on Stuart Lake Nr- PBSL10 Stuart Lake   54.568 -124.506 54° 34' 5" N 124° 30' 21" W
Nechako - Pinchi Bay on Stuart Lake Nr-PBSL11 Stuart Lake   54.564 -124.490 54° 33' 50" N 124° 29' 23" W
Nechako - Powerline Nr-PL1 Nechako River 129.5 54.027 -123.964 54° 1' 37" N 123° 57' 49" W
Nechako - Powerline Nr-PL2 Nechako River 129.5 54.026 -123.964 54° 1' 34" N 123° 57' 51" W
Nechako - Powerline Nr-PL3 Nechako River 130.4 54.024 -123.972 54° 1' 27" N 123° 58' 20" W
Nechako - Powerline Nr-PL4 Nechako River 130.4 54.025 -123.970 54° 1' 28" N 123° 58' 13" W
Nechako - Sinkut River Confluence Nr-SRC1 Nechako River 115.2 53.982 -123.841 53° 58' 55" N 123° 50' 28" W
Nechako - Sinkut River Confluence Nr-SRC2 Nechako River 115.2 53.981 -123.843 53° 58' 52" N 123° 50' 34" W
Nechako - Sinkut River Confluence Nr-SRC3 Nechako River 118.3 53.992 -123.832 53° 59' 32" N 123° 49' 55" W
Nechako - Sinkut River Confluence Nr-SRC4 Nechako River 118.3 53.994 -123.831 53° 59' 40" N 123° 49' 52" W
Nechako - Sturgeon Point Nr-SP1 Stuart River 48.4 54.164 -123.651 54° 9' 52" N 123° 39' 4" W
Nechako - Sturgeon Point Nr-SP2 Stuart River 48.4 54.164 -123.651 54° 9' 49" N 123° 39' 4" W
Nechako - Sturgeon Point Nr-SP3 Stuart River 51.4 54.177 -123.653 54° 10' 39" N 123° 39' 12" W
Nechako - Sturgeon Point Nr-SP4 Stuart River 51.4 54.178 -123.653 54° 10' 42" N 123° 39' 12" W
Nechako - Tachie River Confluence with Stuart Lake Nr-TRSL1 Tachie River 0.9 54.663 -124.781 54° 39' 48" N 124° 46' 52" W
Nechako - Tachie River Confluence with Stuart Lake Nr-TRSL2 Tachie River 0.9 54.664 -124.779 54° 39' 51" N 124° 46' 45" W
Nechako - Tachie River Confluence with Stuart Lake Nr-TRSL3 Stuart Lake 45.7 54.653 -124.762 54° 39' 10" N 124° 45' 43" W
Nechako - Tachie River Confluence with Stuart Lake Nr- TRSL4 Stuart Lake   54.651 -124.741 54° 39' 5" N 124° 44' 29" W
Nechako - Tachie River Confluence with Stuart Lake Nr-TRSL5 Stuart Lake   54.648 -124.744 54° 38' 54" N 124° 44' 38" W
Nechako - Tachie River Confluence with Stuart Lake Nr- TRSL6 Stuart Lake   54.646 -124.751 54° 38' 45" N 124° 45' 5" W
Nechako - Tachie River Confluence with Stuart Lake Nr- TRSL7 Stuart Lake 44.1 54.645 -124.768 54° 38' 41" N 124° 46' 6" W
Nechako - Tachie River Confluence with Stuart Lake Nr- TRSL8 Stuart Lake   54.645 -124.778 54° 38' 43" N 124° 46' 42" W
Nechako - Tachie River Confluence with Stuart Lake Nr-TRSL9 Stuart Lake   54.647 -124.782 54° 38' 48" N 124° 46' 54" W
Nechako - Tachie River Confluence with Stuart Lake Nr- TRSL10 Stuart Lake   54.655 -124.789 54° 39' 17" N 124° 47' 21" W
Nechako - Tachie River Confluence with Stuart Lake Nr- TRSL11 Stuart Lake   54.658 -124.788 54° 39' 28" N 124° 47' 18" W
Nechako - Tachie River Confluence with Stuart Lake Nr-TRSL12 Stuart Lake 45.7 54.656 -124.775 54° 39' 23" N 124° 46' 29" W
Nechako - Vanderhoof Braided Section Nr-VFB1 Nechako River 135.1 54.021 -123.995 54° 1' 17" N 123° 59' 42" W
Nechako - Vanderhoof Braided Section Nr-VFB2 Nechako River 135.1 54.021 -123.994 54° 1' 14" N 123° 59' 37" W
Nechako - Vanderhoof Braided Section Nr-VFB3 Nechako River 135.3 54.020 -123.997 54° 1' 10" N 123° 59' 49" W
Nechako - Vanderhoof Braided Section Nr-VFB4 Stoney Creek   54.018 -124.035 54° 1' 6" N 124° 2' 6" W
Nechako - Vanderhoof Braided Section Nr-VFB5 Stoney Creek   54.018 -124.036 54° 1' 6" N 124° 2' 9" W
Nechako - Vanderhoof Braided Section Nr-VFB6 Nechako River 141.0 54.023 -124.071 54° 1' 22" N 124° 4' 14" W
Nechako - Vanderhoof Braided Section Nr-VFB7 Nechako River 141.9 54.029 -124.077 54° 1' 45" N 124° 4' 38" W
Nechako - Vanderhoof Braided Section Nr-VFB8 Nechako River 141.9 54.031 -124.075 54° 1' 51" N 124° 4' 29" W
Nechako - Vanderhoof Braided Section Nr-VFB9 Nechako River 141.5 54.028 -124.071 54° 1' 41" N 124° 4' 15" W
Nechako - Vanderhoof Braided Section Nr-VFB10 Nechako River 135.3 54.021 -123.997 54° 1' 15" N 123° 59' 49" W

12 Coordinate points were digitized using various orthophotos provided by Fisheries and Oceans Canada. The resolution of the various orthophotos varied significantly - ranging from 0.2 m cell size to 24 m cell size. This should be taken into consideration when evaluating the accuracy of the coordinates associated with these points. For geographic coordinate points their boundary represents the annual high water mark (Hatfield et al. 2012).
Note: For the Nechako River, relative locations are measured as “river kilometers”, which increase from the river mouth (Rkm 0) upstream to the farthest extent possible.

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