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The Rideau River, near Andrewsville.
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Contrary to public perception the Rideau River is in
relatively good health. Knowing the intensity with which a large number
of people (not to mention thousands of boats) use it, even the scientists
who studied the River for three years were surprised at the richness and
diversity of species they found.
According to their analyses, the biodiversity
of the River Rideau is similar to that of other Ontario rivers of similar
size. As for the water quality, however, fertilizer levels are slightly
higher in the Rideau River than in other rivers.
Rideau
River Biodiversity Project researchers' conclusions suggest that
the health of the Rideau River is pretty good. The environment, however,
is fragile. Scientists have found that there are three significant threats
to the stability and health of its fauna and flora.
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| Green
frog, Rana clamitans. |
Shoreline development
- The greatest threat to the biodiversity of the Rideau River is shoreline
development. Often associated with building construction, development
of the shoreline reduces the variety and abundance of natural habitats.
For example, amphibians and reptiles are threatened by the limited
availability of nesting and basking sites along certain areas of the
River. Minnows and juvenile fish are threatened by fluctuating water
levels and water turbidity. |
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Exotic
species - The invasion of exotic plants and animals threatens
the survival of native species. Native freshwater mussels in particular
are under serious threat from the invasion of zebra
mussels. |
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Fertilizers
- Levels of phosphorus are high in the downtown Ottawa area, thereby
causing an explosion of aquatic plant and algae growth. |
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| A damselfly
nymph of the genus Enallagma captures a
beetle. |
These threats have already led to the disappearance
of several species of native freshwater mussels, and possibly the sensitive
eastern silvery minnow. The survival of certain reptiles and amphibians
is also jeopardized in certain parts of the River.
It is not known how much biodiversity can be lost before
the entire ecosystem is unable to sustain itself any longer. Evidence
of this disaster would be found in scarcity of wildlife and poor water
quality.
| Maintaining the diversity of
the shorelines along the Rideau River is the best way of ensuring
a healthy river. In order to protect the River's biodiversity and
maintain its good health for many years, the entire community will
have to work together to ensure that |
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existing shoreline habitats remain, |
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trees are replanted in denuded
areas, |
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phosphorus in the River is reduced
by at least 10%. |
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