Habitat Use of the Silver Shiner (Notropis photogenis), a Threatened Species, in Its Known Range in the Great Lakes Basin

The Silver Shiner (Notropis photogenis) is a small riverine fish currently listed as Special Concern by the Canadian Species at Risk Act (SARA) under Schedule 3. In 2011, COSEWIC recommended that the status of this species be increased to Threatened due to its limited population and susceptibility to habitat loss and degradation.  Little is known regarding the habitat preferences of this species and therefore risk of extirpation and critical habitat estimations are based on general habitat use assumptions.  In 2011, revisiting the work of M. Baldwin, extensive sampling was conducted by Fisheries and Oceans Canada in the four watersheds in the Great Lakes basin from which Silver Shiner are known: Bronte Creek (n=30), Sixteen Mile Creek (n=24), Thames River (n=83), and Grand River (n=95).  Fishes were collected using a repeat sampling method with a seine net and fine-scale habitat assessments were conducted at each site.  Habitat parameters measured include water velocity, water depth, dominant substrate type, water temperature, conductivity, pH, turbidity, and dominant aquatic vegetation type.  Preliminary findings on habitat preferences of the Silver Shiner will be discussed.