User:Mic-233/Fathom Five National Marine Park

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Fathom Five National Marine Park is a National Marine Conservation Area in the Georgian Bay part of Lake Huron, Ontario, Canada, that seeks to protect and display shipwrecks and lighthouses, and conserve freshwater ecosystems. Parks Canada has management plans for the aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, with a multi-action plan for species that are at risk, including endemic species, Monarch butterfly, Eastern Ribbonsnake and Eastern Whip-poor-will. The aquatic ecosystems in the park are also of particular interest. Many fish, shellfish, amphibians and eels are an attraction for naturalists in the park. Much of this wildlife is accessible to scuba divers and snorkellers in the park. The many shipwrecks make the park a popular scuba diving destination, and glass bottom boat tours leave Tobermory regularly, allowing tourists to see the shipwrecks without having to get wet.[3]. Additionally, there are 3 main popular hiking trails found within Fathom Five National Marine Park that provides visitors with views of old growth forests and the Georgian Bay. The Saugeen Ojibway People's have inhabited the Bruce Peninsula and Fathom Five national park for thousands of years. This land provided for their communities and their people with the plethora of wildlife and plant life. They provide the local knowledge about Lake Huron and its ecological value to the reserve, park and their overall livelihood. Parks Canada and Saugeen Ojibway People's collaboration is said to yield a benefit to both parties with regard to overall ecosystem knowledge.

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Recreation

With an annual visitation number of 490,388 from 2019-2021, Fathom Five National Marine Park is a popular destination among locals and tourists. The park has three main trails, which range in duration from five minutes to two hours. The Bruce Trail to Little Dunks Bay is approximately 2 kilometers long and provides visitors with a panoramic view of Little Dunks Bay and Georgian Bay. The Bruce Trail Burnt Point Loop has the longest hike of the three, encompassing 4.8km, which passes through cedar forests and provides a stunning view of Georgian Bay. Visitors can embark on the shortest hike that is less than half a kilometer in length, passing by the visitor center on their way to Tobermory Harbour.

 Park Management 

Management Plan

The management plans for the fathom five national park was made in 1998. The park was created to protect the longevity of the Georgian Bay marine biodiversity and environment. The aquatic ecosystems management was created to study the structure of the ecosystem and resources, protect species and habitats, and identify the impact of nonnative species and make management plans to take action if they negatively impact native species. The fish management was created to monitor the populations, and allow sustainable harvest with commercial and sport fishing. The terrestrial ecosystems management was created to monitor the islands’ biogeography, and reduce human impact on the environment. This is done by preventing new species from being introduced and limiting public access to areas. Additionally, management requires environment impact assessments to be done prior to any activities or development.

Management Progress

The management progress was last reported by Parks Canada in 2010. The goals to conserve and monitor aquatic ecosystems is approximately 50% complete. The coastal ecosystems water quality, water level, fish and connectivity are in good condition. The island ecosystems' habitat and connectivity is in fair condition, and they are still developing the offshore and social indicators. The goals to preserve the terrestrial ecosystems are being met, and is in fair condition. The goal of having environmental impact assessments is also being followed prior to activities.

Threatened and Endangered Species Action Plan

The multi-species action plan to conserve threatened and endangered species was created by Parks Canada Agency to be implemented in Fathom Five National Park and Bruce Peninsula National Park. The plan includes COSEWIC’s (Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada) identification of the species threat status, and plans to recover the population size and distribution of the species.

There are endemic species included in the plan, such as Dwarf Lake Iris (Iris lacurstris) and Lakeside Daisy (Tetraneuris  herbacea). The Dwarf Lake Iris status is special concern, and is only found in the Great Lakes basin, with one of its locations being Lake Huron. It is a perennial plant with blue or purple petals and blooms between mid-May and early June. The Lakeside Daisy status is also special concern, and is also only found near the Great Lakes. It is a perennial herb with yellow ray petals and blooms between May and early June.

 Species at Risk Act (SARA) and Ontario's Endangered Species Act 

Monarch Butterfly

The Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus) is a species of butterfly that is currently listed as a species of special concern in the province of Ontario. This migratory butterfly is found in Fathom 5 Marine Park, as well as other parts of Southeast Canada and the Northeast United States during its breeding season in the summer. Upon breeding, the monarch butterflies embark on a mass migration of approximately 4500 kilometers to their final resting place in Central Mexico. As a species of special concern, the monarch butterfly is neither threatened nor endangered. As a result of habitat loss and the use of pesticides and herbicides, the Monarch Butterfly's natural habitat has been dramatically impacted. The Monarch butterfly is a globally threatened species, and its numbers have declined dramatically throughout the past few decades, from 10 million butterflies in 1980 to 1914 butterflies in 2021.

Massassauga Rattlesnake

The Massassauga rattle snake (Sistrurus catenatus) is a species of snake listed as endangered under the Species at Risk Act (SARA). This snake has a long, grayish-brown body with semi round spots throughout its body, and it ranges in size from 50-70cm long. The species is found in the Fathom 5 Marine Park, in habitats such as tall grass, bogs, marshes, shorelines, and forests. In addition to habitat loss caused by human expansion, these snakes are also at risk of being killed by motor vehicles or ill-intentioned humans. There are approximately 10,000 adult Massassauga rattle snakes found throughout Eastern Ontario and Quebec; however, a substantial portion of this population can be found within the Fathom 5 Marine Park and the Bruce Peninsula. Both the Massasauga - Great Lakes / St. Lawrence population and the Massasauga - Carolinian population are experiencing steady declines in population numbers.

Eastern Ribbonsnake

The Eastern Ribbonsnake (Thamnophis sauritus) is a species of snake that is listed as a "special concern" that is likely to become endangered if proper precautions aren't taken. On its sides and back, the snake has three yellow stripes that easily distinguish it from other snakes. The Fathom 5 Marine Park is home to this species of snake, which is normally found in environments near water. The snake is threatened by habitat loss as a result of human development. In addition, the Eastern Ribbon Snake relies heavily on the ability to hunt amphibians as a result, the Eastern Ribbon Snake is experiencing a decline in food availability due to habitat loss and degradation. Currently, there are an estimated 1000-3000 adult Eastern Ribbonsnakes inhabiting Ontario, and their numbers are steadily declining.

Eastern Whip-Poor-Will

The Eastern Whip-Poor-Will (Caprimulgus vociferus) is currently listed as threatened under the Species at Risk Act (SARA), and if proper measures are not taken it may become endangered. Easter Whip-Poor-Wills can be found in the Fathom 5 Marine Park. They are distinguished by their medium size and brown and gray feathers that provide them with excellent camouflage so that they can blend in with the surroundings. The Eastern Whip-Poor-Will is generally found in open woodlands with mixed conifers and deciduous trees. Threats to the Eastern Whip-Poor-Will are directly caused by the loss and degradation of their habitat. From 1968-2007, the number of Eastern Whip-Poor-Wills has decreased by nearly 75% of its original population in Canada, and its population is gradually decreasing at a rate of 3.2% per year.

Climate Change

There is a very real threat associated with climate change on a global scale, but especially within Canada. According to current projections, the province of Ontario will experience an increase in average temperatures of 2.6-2.7 degrees Celsius by 2030 and 5.9-7.4 degrees Celsius by 2080. A further consequence of climate change will be an increase in precipitation numbers of 4.5%-7.1% in Ontario and a possible increase of 3.2%-17.5% by 2080. It is anticipated that climate change could have dramatic effects on species such as the Monarch butterfly, the Massassauga Rattlesnake, the Eastern Ribbon Snake, and the Eastern Whip-Poor-Will, which are already on the endangered list. Increasing temperatures and precipitation will lead to more frequent flooding, droughts, and extreme weather events. Due to these impacts, there will be a drastic decrease in viable food sources for monarch butterflies, such as milkweed. It is anticipated that the flooding will negatively impact the landscapes in which Massassauga rattlesnakes, Eastern Ribbon Snakes, and Eastern Whip-Poor-Wills rely heavily on for shelter, food, and protection. Climate change could inevitably result in the extinction of these species.

 Aquatic Wildlife 

Native Aquatic wildlife

Lake Huron is home to 139 native fish species, many of which are found in Fathom Five Provincial park. Some examples include, Sculpins, Gizzard shad, shiners and ciscoes. These fish sustain populations of larger predatory species such as pike, muskellunge, large and smallmouth bass, brook trout and walleye. These native species are dispersed throughout the great lakes watershed.

Lake huron is also home to 8 native turtle species, including: The Spotted Turtle (Clemmys guttata), Blanding’s Turtle (Emydoidea blandingii), Spiny Softshell Turtle (Apalone spinifera), Northern Map Turtle (Graptemys geographica), Eastern Musk Turtle (Sternotherus odoratus), Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina), Midland Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta marginata), Wood Turtle (Glyptemys insculpta). Out of these species two are listed as endangered, two are listed "threatened", and three species are of special concern. The reduction of coastal wetlands has greatly impacted turtles in Lake huron, including the Bruce peninsula. Fathom five national park is home to several wetlands. These wetlands are critical habitat to sensitive species such as turtles, black terns, King rail herons, Black crest night herons and other species of special concern.

NonNative Aquatic wildlife

Lake Huron is home to several introduced and invasive species. Pacific salmon were introduced to lake huron, Chinook, Coho and Pink salmon were intentionally introduced by sports fishermen. Additionally, invasive species introduced via Ballast water, man made canals, aquaculture and the pet trade have established large populations within the lakes, Lampreys, Alewives and Quagga mussels are the most common examples of invasive species in the Great lakes.

Invasive species have affected the marine ecosystem in the lake considerably, Quagga mussels are a filter feeder, they filter water through their siphons in order to trap algae and plankton. These mussels are so prevalent that their filtration has drastically changed the clarity of the water, allowing algae to grow on rock structures on the lakebed where it would not previously be present. Predatory fish have also been affected greatly by invasive species. The clarity of the water, created by Quagga mussels, causes ambush predators to be less successful in ambushing prey. Keystone native species such as Lake trout, Muskellunge, and Pike have been greatly affected by this change. Large fish species have also been affected by the Sea Lamprey.

Lampreys are a parasitic predator, they attach themselves to a large fish and feed on the blood of this fish. Lampreys are native to the great lakes, Silver, Chestnut, American Brook and Northern Brook lamprey are native to streams and rivers in the watershed of the great lakes, including Lake Huron. Native lampreys are not large enough to have a significant effect on the fish they prey on, however invasive sea lampreys are much larger, fish they prey on are much more prone to die as they are not used to such large parasites. It was estimated that only 1 in 7 fish preyed on by sea lampreys would survive.

First Nations

Fathom Five national park, located on the Bruce peninsula in Ontario Canada is part of the traditional unceded territory of Saugeen Ojibway People, Oral history dates the presence of Saugeen Ojibway peoples around 5480 B.C.E. The peninsula is a spiritual destination for many Ojibway Nations, groups would travel to the peninsula to partake in potlatches and ceremonies throughout the seasons. The traditional territory of the Saugeen Ojibway included the modern day towns of Collingwood, Arthur, Alliston, and Goderich, the watersheds of the Saugeen river, the Sauble river, the Wasaga river and the islands surrounding the Bruce peninsula. The Saugeen people speak a dialect of the Algonquin language.

Food Security
Food security for the Saugeen Ojibway People has been an ongoing political issue. All the major fisheries are located on the Saugeen Ojibway People's region and it is their main source of food. The local fisheries have been dominated by big corporations. This food resource needs to have legal access by Saugeen Ojibway People granted by the government. Prior to European arrival the Saugeen Ojibway People's territory extended as far as Southern Ontario. This includes 6500km2 extending into southern Ontario, 500 km of shoreline and 10,000km2 of Lake Huron, and harvesting rights on 930 hectares of a hunting reserve. Commercial food markets do exist around the region and are a 25 minute drive from the reserve. Though this creates a challenge for those with no access to a motor vehicle. The older demographic of the Saugeen Ojibway People expressed that their is a decline in the Lake Huron's whitefish population. The white fish is symbolic of cultural and generational ceremonies for the Saugeen Ojibway People. It is a symbol of a successful harvest and the Saugeen Ojibway People have a ceremony where the "chief" summons the whitefish and appreciate the lake for providing them with source of food and livelihood. These are age old rituals that have been practiced since the 1800's where the Saugeen Ojibway People surrendered their land to the British crown.

Parks Canada and Saugeen Ojibway People
Parks Canada is a Federal agency that specializes in protection and conservation of national parks throughout Canada. The entity was formed to ensure the preservation of ecological indicators and species. The Giigoonyang (Fishes) project collaboration between Saugeen Ojibway People and Parks Canada. The collaboration is designed to combine indigenous knowledge about the land area with western technology. Researchers will use this to monitor and analyze fisheries data to forecast population growth or decline. This research is essential as it ensures food security for the Saugeen Ojibway People territory. Since it is their primary source that they rely on, this collaboration will benefit both parties involved. Since Parks Canada is a Federal agency, it will allow the Saugeen Ojibway People to make necessary progress in their legal demands for their food security and territory. A Federal agency is more likely to implement effective change in comparison to a provincial entity due to the hierarchal structure of the government agencies in Canada. The secondary goal of Parks Canada is to fill the knowledge gap they have with regards to Five fathoms Park's Lake systems. Specific to fish migration and ecosystems that directly affect the fisheries industry. The main aim is to be able to create sustainable fishing practices in order to ensure Lake Huron's fish population.

Bilyea, Cory, and Initiative R. Local Journalism. "Saugeen Ojibway Nation Announce Collaboration with Parks Canada, NDMNRF." The Canadian Press, May 16 2022, ProQuest. Web. 6 Nov. 2022.