Kitigan Zibi Anishinābeg calls for safe passage for American eels on the Ottawa River

A western Quebec First Nation is calling on the provincial and federal governments to take action to protect American eels in the upper St. Lawrence River watershed. Kitigan Zibi Anishinābeg (KZA) is particularly concerned about the impact of dangerous practices at dams, such as the Carillon Generating Station on the Ottawa River.

The band council of KZA passed a resolution on Nov. 26 urging the CAQ government and Fisheries and Oceans Canada to address the situation at the Carillon Generating Station and to grant protected status to American eels. Former chief Gilbert Whiteduck emphasized the spiritual significance of the American eel to the community, expressing a desire to reconnect with their traditional practices of catching and using the eel for food and medicine.

Nicolas Lapointe, a senior conservation biologist, highlighted the migratory nature of American eels and the devastating impact of dams on their population. Dams, such as the one at the Carillon Generating Station, can result in the death of a significant percentage of eels attempting to migrate. Despite claims by Hydro-Québec that they transfer some eels upstream each year, conservationists like Larissa Holman emphasize that a 99 percent reduction in the eel population is a serious threat to biodiversity.

KZA’s environmental protection project, Kidjīmāninān, is working to prevent further loss of biodiversity by advocating for safety improvements at the Carillon Generating Station. The band council’s resolution calls for the installation of special turbines and fish ladders to protect eels during their migration. This initiative aligns with the legal rights of Algonquins to harvest American eels and participate in decisions that affect them.

Hydro-Québec has acknowledged the concerns raised by KZA and is evaluating potential solutions in collaboration with partners. The Ministry of the Environment has recognized the decline in the American eel population but believes the situation is stable. Fisheries and Oceans Canada, however, did not respond to inquiries regarding the issue.

In conclusion, KZA is taking proactive steps to safeguard the American eel population and preserve its cultural and ecological significance. By advocating for improved safety measures at dams like the Carillon Generating Station, the First Nation is striving to protect this important species for future generations.