As part of the Port of Montreal expansion project in Contrecœur, the Montreal Port Authority (MPA) announces that it has obtained a permit from Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) authorizing the implementation of the compensation plan for copper redhorse feeding grounds.
The plan was developed in accordance with the Statement of Decision and in consultation with Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Quebec’s Ministry of Forests, Wildlife and Parks, Environment and Climate Change Canada, and First Nations.
To offset the impacts of the future Contrecœur container terminal on the copper redhorse’s feeding habitat, the MPA will carry out a compensatory development near Île aux Bœufs. This site was chosen, among other reasons, for its strategic location in an area frequented by this species.
The compensation plan consists of two main phases of work:
- First phase: Construction of structures, including a dike, a breakwater, and the installation of substrate. These structures are designed to protect the area from wave action and regulate water flow to create conditions conducive to the development of seagrass beds that will provide food for the copper redhorse. This phase is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.
- Second phase: Planting seagrass beds covering an initial area of 3.29 hectares, beginning in the summer of 2026.
Projections established as part of the compensation plan indicate that the area of seagrass beds is expected to double after six years (approximately 6.2 hectares). In accordance with the conditions of the issued permit, the MPA will monitor the seagrass beds for 25 years, with the possibility of additional planting if necessary.
It should be noted that this project underwent an environmental impact assessment by Environment and Climate Change Canada and Fisheries and Oceans Canada, as required under the Impact Assessment Act. The authorities determined that the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.
Other compensation plan projects
Since 2022, other initiatives to protect the copper redhorse have been launched, including a literature review to improve knowledge of the species, an awareness program for river users in the Contrecœur Islands area on responsible boating practices, and a project to improve water quality in a sub-watershed of the Richelieu River. The latter targets a known copper redhorse breeding site and is being carried out in collaboration with the Fédération de l’Union des producteurs agricoles de la Montérégie.
The MPA is still awaiting another permit from Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) to begin waterworks construction on its expansion project in Contrecœur.
(Photo from espacepourlavie.ca and Contrecœur image from MPA)