The Milk River Watershed and Qu’Appelle River systems in Saskatchewan are designated Canada Nature Fund for Aquatic Species at Risk (CNFASAR) priority areas for three at-risk species of fish – Plains Minnow (Hybognathus placitus), Plains Sucker (Pantosteus Jordani), and Bigmouth Buffalo (lctiobus cyprinellus).  Funded by Fisheries and Oceans Canada, implementing a Multi-Species Approach for Protecting Species at Risk in Saskatchewan is a multi-year project that partners with local landowners and communities to improve the sustainability of these fish species. Project deliverables include A) completing range extension surveys for Plains Sucker and Plains Minnow in southwest Saskatchewan and for Bigmouth Buffalo in the Qu’Appelle River, B) restoring, enhancing, and protecting habitat and water quality, C) educating the public and stakeholders on fish species at risk, and D) building capacity and relationships with local landowners, rural, urban, and Indigenous communities, industry, and federal and provincial government agencies.

Throughout the summer of 2024, SAW will conduct range extension surveys of Plains Minnow and Plains Sucker in the Milk River Watershed using seine netting. In 2025, our team will be east of Crooked Lake on the Qu’Appelle River surveying for Bigmouth Buffalo using the same method. In both years, fish surveys will be used to aid in determining where enhancement projects will be most beneficial.  Riparian health assessments will be completed along the shorelines where at-risk fish species are found, while SAW works with local landowners to implement projects including riparian area tree plantings, off-site watering and exclusion fencing, and spawning riffles to restore, recover and enhance habitat for each fish species.

SAW recognizes that engagement and education is critical for success of this project. For the duration of the project, SAW is using digital communication (social media posts), landowner/community visits, extension events, and signage to promote the project and educate stakeholders on these fish species at risk.  The information shared will also engage landowners, communities, industry, non-profit organizations, and Provincial/Federal government agencies about implementing practices or projects to enhance habitat for fish species at risk.

Funding for this project is provided by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) through the Canada Nature Fund for Aquatic Species at Risk (CNFASR).