Sturgeon Spawning Study begins today

05/21/2019

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) wishes to announce the start of the initial phase of a Sturgeon Spawning Study to take place in the area near the Mercier Bridge. Fieldwork for this study will take place from today until Friday, May 31st.

The Kahnawà:ke Environment Protection Office (KEPO) will be overseeing the study and will be assisted by the consultant GEO Morphix Inc. and a local boatman. Fieldwork for this year will consist of characterizing the habitat within the St. Lawrence River, including the area of the known sturgeon spawning site downstream of the Mercier Bridge.

This work is necessary so KEPO can ensure that there will be no negative impacts to the sturgeon populations associated with the planned partial reconstruction of the southbound (Lasalle to Kahnawà:ke) Mercier Bridge (announced by the provincial government in April 2017). The work may also identify areas within the river that could be enhanced to further promote sturgeon spawning.

“It is important to note that there is currently no plan for the Mercier Bridge reconstruction project at this time,” Grand Chief Joseph Tokwiro Norton said last week. “Nothing can move forward until we are satisfied that all of our concerns are addressed, and all of our ideas are heard. We will ensure that Kahnawa’kehró:non are informed on the progress of this project on an ongoing and timely basis.”

For information on this study, please contact KEPO at 450-635-0600.

For a list of Questions & Answers regarding the Southbound Mercier Bridge partial reconstruction project, click on link here .