查看文章

Renewed interest in natural gas pipeline development along the Mackenzie Valley has raised the prospect that fish species in the watershed may be impacted by changes to their habitat. The proposed pipeline would extend from near the Beaufort Sea coast to markets in the south (http://www. mackenziegasproject. com/). Fishes in the Mackenzie River depend upon the integrity of their aquatic habitats, so it is important to summarize knowledge that can be used to assess potential impacts of this development proposal and others, and to facilitate efforts to avoid and mitigate these impacts.

This report reviews knowledge of the Arctic grayling, Thymallus arcticus (Pallas, 1776). These fish, with their rich blue colouration, showy dorsal fins and habit of leaping out of the water are a characteristic species of the Mackenzie River watershed. They are sought-after sport fish that attract anglers from Canada and abroad, and contribute significantly to the regional economy (DFO 1988).