Copper Redhorse (Moxostoma hubbsi): Report on the progress of recovery strategy implementation for the period 2012 to 2018

Preface

The federal, provincial and territorial government signatories under the Accord for the Protection of Species at Risk (1996) agreed to establish complementary legislation and programs that provide for the protection of species at risk throughout Canada. Under section 46 of the Species at Risk Act (S.C. 2002, c.29) (SARA) the competent ministers are responsible for reporting on the implementation of the recovery strategy for a species at risk, and on the progress towards meeting its objectives within five years of the date when the recovery strategy was placed on the Species at Risk Public Registry and in every subsequent five-year period, until its objectives have been achieved or the species’ recovery is no longer feasible.

Reporting on the progress of recovery strategy implementation requires reporting on the collective efforts of the competent minister(s), provincial and territorial governments and all other parties involved in conducting activities that contribute towards the species’ recovery. Recovery strategies identify broad strategies and approaches that will provide the best chance of recovering species at risk. Some of the identified strategies and approaches are sequential to the progress or completion of others; not all may be undertaken or show significant progress during the time frame of a report on the progress of recovery strategy implementation (progress report).

The Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard is the competent minister under SARA for the Copper Redhorse. Because this species uses the Vianney-Legendre fishway, the Minister responsible for the Parks Canada Agency is the competent minister for individuals in the fishway. Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Quebec Region, led the preparation of this progress report in collaboration with the Copper Redhorse Recovery Team.  

As stated in the preamble to SARA, success in the recovery of species at risk depends on the commitment and cooperation of many different constituencies that will be involved in implementing the guidelines set out in the recovery strategy and will not be achieved by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and the Parks Canada Agency, or any other jurisdiction alone. The cost of conserving species at risk is shared amongst different constituencies. All Canadians are invited to join in supporting and implementing the recovery strategy for the Copper Redhorse for the benefit of the species and Canadian society as a whole.

Acknowledgements

This progress report was prepared by Émilie Lapalme and Vincent Coutu of Comité de concertation et de valorisation du bassin de la rivière Richelieu (COVABAR) and Hugues Bouchard, Virginie Christopherson, Arianne Savoie and Marie-Pierre Veilleux of DFO.

The report was prepared with input from the Ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs du Québec and other members of the Copper Redhorse Recovery Team : the Ministère de l’Environnement et de la Lutte contre les Changements climatiques du Québec (MELCC), the Ministère de l’Alimentation, des Pêcheries et de l’Agriculture du Québec (MAPAQ), Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), Jacques-Cartier Area of Prime Concern (Zone d’intervention prioritaire) (ZIP) Committee, Des Seigneuries ZIP Committee, Nature Conservancy of Canada, Lac Saint-Pierre ZIP Committee, Fondation de la Faune du Québec (FFQ), Parc de la Rivière-des-Mille-Îles, Réseau Environnement, the Montreal Biodôme, Union des producteurs agricoles (UPA), the city of Montreal, and the Montreal Metropolitan Community (MMC). Fisheries and Oceans Canada would like to thank all individuals and organizations that have contributed to the recovery of the Copper Redhorse.

Executive summary

The Copper Redhorse (Moxostoma hubbsi), which is endemic to Quebec, was designated endangered by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) in November 2004. In December 2007, it was listed as endangered in Schedule 1 of the Species at Risk Act (SARA) and this status was reconfirmed in 2014. In addition, in 1999, it was designated threatened under Quebec’s Act Respecting Threatened or Vulnerable Species. The “Recovery strategy for the Copper Redhorse (Moxostoma hubbsi) in Canada” was finalized and published on the Species at Risk Public Registry in 2012.

The main threats to the Copper Redhorse include habitat degradation, water contamination, the introduction of organisms such as invasive aquatic species and pathogens, dam construction, certain recreational activities, sport and commercial fishing, and water level fluctuations.  

Population and distribution objectives for the species are as follows: the ratio of Copper Redhorse spawners to the total redhorse population, irrespective of species, should reach 3%; autumn catches of Copper Redhorse young-of-the-year should constitute 3% of total juvenile redhorse catches, irrespective of species; in the next few years, juveniles introduced through stocking initiatives should contribute significantly to population inventories, while naturally spawned juveniles should gradually increase; and the species’ current range must be maintained.

The “Report on the Progress of Recovery strategy Implementation for the Copper Redhorse (Moxostoma hubbsi) in Canada for the Period 2012 to 2018” describes the progress made by DFO and its partners in implementing the recovery strategy and in achieving the associated objectives.

During this period, progress was made in the following areas:

Significant advances have been made in artificial spawning techniques, including the establishment of a cryopreserved milt bank, which can be used to increase the number of families created. Between 2012 and 2018, roughly 760,000 larvae, 99,000 autumn fry (young-of-the-year) and 111 fish age one and older fish were stocked in the Richelieu River. Research has led to a better understanding of the species’ range and of the threats it faces. Shoreline renaturalization projects have been undertaken in a number of sub-watersheds. Various provincial acts and regulations have been enacted that could have a favourable impact on water quality. Outreach efforts continue; target audiences are usually quite receptive and show a better awareness of issues involving the Copper Redhorse.

The longevity and late sexual maturity of the Copper Redhorse make its recovery somewhat slow, and monitoring the status of the population remains a challenge. Nevertheless, the species’ recovery is considered feasible. The species remains susceptible to habitat degradation, and continuing conservation, research and outreach efforts are essential to prevent or mitigate the main threats to its survival and recovery.

1. Introduction

The “Report on the Progress of Recovery strategy Implementation for the Copper Redhorse (Moxostoma hubbsi) in Canada for the Period 2012 to 2018” (hereinafter referred to as the progress report) outlines the progress made towards meeting the objectives identified in the recovery strategy for the Copper Redhorse during the period covered in the report. The progress report is part of a series of documents that are linked and should be taken into consideration together, including the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) status reports [PDF 1.4 MB] (COSEWIC 2014), the recovery potential assessment [PDF 142 KB] (DFO 2007) and the recovery strategy [PDF 1.4 MB] (DFO 2012).

Section 2 of the progress report reproduces or summarizes key information on the threats to the species, population and distribution objectives for achieving its recovery, approaches to meeting the objectives, and performance indicators to measure the progress of recovery. For more details, refer to the Recovery strategy for the Copper Redhorse (Moxostoma hubbsi) in Canada. Section 3 reports the progress of activities identified in the recovery strategy to support achieving the population and distribution objectives. Section 4 provides a concluding statement about the progress toward achieving the objectives.

2. Background

2.1 COSEWIC assessment summary

The listing of the Copper Redhorse in 2007, which led to the development and publication of the “Recovery strategy for the Copper Redhorse (Moxostoma hubbsi) in Canada in 2012” (DFO 2012), was based on the information provided in the COSEWIC Status Report [PDF 1.1 MB] (COSEWIC 2004). This information was included in section 1.1 of the recovery strategy.

Assessment date: November 2004

Common name (population): Copper Redhorse

Scientific name: Moxostoma hubbsi

COSEWIC status: Endangered

Reason for designation: This species is endemic to Canada, where it is now known from only three locations in southwestern Quebec that possibly represent a single population. The distribution and abundance of the species have been severely reduced due to a number of anthropogenic factors (for example, urban development, agricultural practices, and the construction of dams) that have contributed to a decrease in water quality and habitat availability. The recent introduction of exotic species such as zebra mussel may further impact habitat quality.

Occurrence in Canada: Quebec

Status history: Designated Threatened in April 1987. Status re-examined, and designated Endangered in November 2004. Last assessment based on an update status report.

In 2014, COSEWIC re-examined the status of the Copper Redhorse and confirmed it as endangered in its Assessment and Status Report (COSEWIC 2014).

2.2 Threats  

This section summarizes the information found in the recovery strategy on threats to survival and recovery of the Copper Redhorse and threats to its critical habitat.

2.2.1 Threats to the Copper Redhorse

Table 1 summarizes the population-level and species-level threats to the Copper Redhorse. Please refer to section 1.5 of the recovery strategy for more information on these threats.

2.2.2 Threats to critical habitat

Critical habitat for the Copper Redhorse has been identified, to the extent possible, in section 2.5 of the recovery strategy. Table 2 provides examples of activities that are likely to result in destruction of critical habitat (that is, threats to critical habitat). The list of activities provided in this table is neither exhaustive nor exclusive, and their inclusion has been guided by the relevant threats to habitat described in the recovery strategy. For more details on the activities likely to result in the destruction of critical habitat, consult the recovery strategy. 

2.3 Recovery

This section summarizes the information found in the recovery strategy (DFO 2012) on the population and distribution objectives that are necessary for the recovery of the Copper Redhorse and on performance indicators that are used to define and measure progress toward achieving the population and distribution objectives.

2.3.1 Recovery objectives

Section 2.3 of the recovery strategy identified the following objectives necessary for the recovery of the species:

1. Improve habitat conditions necessary for all stages of the life cycle and for the survival and recovery of the Copper Redhorse by:
   1. protecting known habitats and creating supplementary habitats
   2. improving water quality and habitat in the Richelieu and St. Lawrence River watersheds, to ensure conditions suitable for normal reproduction and growth
   3. maintaining connectivity between habitats used by the different stages of the life cycle
2. Support the Copper Redhorse population through stocking until natural spawning can ensure the long-term stability of the population
3. Encourage further research into the sub-adult component of the population (100–500 mm) to fill in the gaps in our current knowledge of this stage of the Copper Redhorse’s life cycle
4. Reduce the impact of anthropogenic pressures on the Copper Redhorse and its habitat
5. Implement regular monitoring of the status of the population

2.3.2 Performance indicators

Section 2.8 of the recovery strategy includes the following performance indicators to define and measure progress toward achieving the population and distribution objectives:

1. Increase in the number of adults enumerated in the Vianney-Legendre fishway during upstream migration
2. Copper Redhorse represent 3% of all redhorse captured during sampling operations
3. Juvenile Copper Redhorse represent 3% of all juvenile redhorse enumerated in the Richelieu River
4. Increase in the number and percentage of naturally spawned juveniles enumerated in the Richelieu River
5. At least two spawning grounds are used by the species
6. Increase in the number of individuals enumerated in Lake Saint-Louis, Lake Saint-Pierre, Rivière des Mille Îles and Rivière des Prairies
7. Area (in km2) of the Copper Redhorse’s range maintained

Some indicators may not be measurable within the timeframe covered in this progress report. In such cases, the implementation of the recovery approaches and critical habitat studies will help report on the progress towards achievement of the performance indicators. Outreach to target audiences is crucial to limit the impacts of anthropogenic activities on Copper Redhorse critical habitat. The addition of protected areas such as the potential expansion of the Pierre-Étienne-Fortin Wildlife Preserve, as well as the conservation of the species’ critical habitat, are essential for its recovery. Lastly, research and monitoring activities must be continued to better target the actions to be taken and increase knowledge of the species and the threats it faces. For example, research should be conducted on the effects of toxic substances found in the water and should be continued in other areas in order to identify adults’ feeding areas throughout the St. Lawrence River.

3. Progress towards recovery

The recovery strategy for the Copper Redhorse (DFO 2012) divides the recovery effort into five objectives, as outlined in section 2.3. of this document. Each of these objectives is supported by several recovery strategies and measures, which are detailed in the recovery strategy and referenced in table 4 of this document. Progress in meeting these overall objectives through the implementation of activities identified in the recovery strategy is reported in Section 3.1. Section 3.2 reports on the activities identified in the schedule of studies to identify critical habitat. Section 3.3 reports on the progress relative to the performance indicators and other commitments (for example, action plan and Critical Habitat Order) identified in the recovery strategy and information obtained through implementing the recovery strategy.

3.1 Activities supporting recovery

Table 4 provides information on the implementation of activities undertaken to address the recovery objectives, strategies, and approaches identified in the recovery planning table of the recovery strategy.

^a Lead participant(s) is/are listed on top and in bold; other participants are listed alphabetically. Not all activities have specific participants identified.

3.2 Activities supporting the identification of critical habitat

Table 5 provides information on the implementation of the studies outlined in the schedule of studies to identify critical habitat of the recovery strategy. Each study has been assigned one of four statuses:

1. completed: the study has been carried out and concluded
2. in progress: the planned study is underway and has not concluded
3. not started: the study has been planned but has yet to start
4. cancelled: the planned study will not be started or completed

3.3 Summary of progress towards recovery

3.3.1 Status of performance indicators

Table 6 provides a summary of the progress made toward meeting the performance indicators outlined in table 3. Each indicator has been assigned one of four statuses:

1. not met: the performance indicator has not been met, and little to no progress has been made
2. partially met, underway: moderate to significant progress has been made toward meeting one or more elements of the performance indicator, and further work is ongoing or planned
3. met: the performance indicator has been met and no further action is required
4. met, ongoing: the performance indicator has been met, but efforts will continue until the population is considered to be recovered (that is, the indicator will be reported against in the next five-year progress report)

3.3.2 Completion of action plan

A multispecies action plan to improve water quality in the Richelieu River watershed in Canada, which seeks to respond, in part, to the recovery strategy for the Copper Redhorse, is currently in preparation. The objective of the plan is to improve water quality in the Richelieu River watershed to help in the recovery of the Copper Redhorse, as well as that of the Eastern Sand Darter (Ammocrypta pellucida) and the Hickorynut (Obovaria olivaria), a freshwater mussel. The actions proposed in the plan fall under the following four broad strategies to optimize the chances of these species’ recovery:

1. Reduce water quality degradation associated with agricultural activities
2. Reduce water quality degradation associated with stormwater and wastewater management
3. Reduce shoreline and water quality degradation associated with domestic and recreational use
4. Acquire knowledge (for example, pilot projects to reduce nutrients and pesticides from agricultural activities, projects on the effects of contaminants and boat wake) and follow up on implementation and the results obtained

3.3.3 Critical habitat identification and protection

The identification of critical habitat is an iterative process that requires ongoing monitoring of populations and habitat, in order to make the appropriate updates in response to the species’ recovery over time. The critical habitat has been partially identified in the recovery strategy. A study was conducted to verify the presence of the Copper Redhorse at other potential spawning grounds, but no individuals were captured. However, this does not preclude the possibility that, with an increase in the population, spawning grounds other than those in the Richelieu River will be used. Additional studies are required to refine the location of adult feeding areas in aquatic grass beds in Lake Saint-Pierre, Lake Saint-Louis and La Prairie Basin.

3.3.4 Recovery feasibility

The recovery of the Copper Redhorse is considered feasible because it meets the four criteria for technical and biological feasibility. The four criteria are:

1. Individuals in the natural environment are capable of reproduction. Though natural reproduction in the species is limited, a number of mature individuals are regularly observed on the species’ spawning grounds in the Richelieu River (particularly the Saint-Ours site). Furthermore, the remnant population continues to exhibit a high level of genetic heterogeneity.
2. Habitats are available to permit the growth and reproduction of the Copper Redhorse. Although a number of aquatic grass beds have been degraded, the protection of available habitats, together with shoreline restoration and other measures to improve water quality, will increase the area of available habitats for the Copper Redhorse and consequently improve its chances of recovery.
3. Threats to the species and its habitat can be avoided or mitigated. A number of conservation and outreach measures have already been implemented, and many other projects can be undertaken to mitigate the threats facing this species. Agricultural practices can be modified to reduce fertilizer and pesticide inputs, soil erosion and sedimentation. Wastewater treatment can be improved to reduce the release of contaminants into the natural environment. Critical Copper Redhorse habitats can be protected from disturbance caused by pleasure boaters and fishers.
4. The techniques necessary for the recovery of the species are available. An artificial spawning plan was developed and has been in place since 2004. The Baldwin-Coaticook hatchery is responsible for the incubation of eggs and pond rearing of Copper Redhorse. Stocking of larvae and autumn fry was carried out in the Richelieu River between 2012 and 2014 inclusively, as well as in 2017 and 2018, in order to increase annual recruitment rates and to try to rebuild the aging spawner stock. During this period, roughly 760,000 larvae, 99,000 fry and 111 age one and older Copper Redhorse (found in the ponds the following season) were released into the Richelieu River. In addition, since 2012, research has been carried out on milt cryopreservation techniques, allowing frozen sperm to be used in spawning; roughly 5,000 young Copper Redhorse produced using this technique have been stocked. This work has also resulted in the creation of a sperm bank, maximizing the number of families produced (Vachon et al. 2013; Vachon 2018; Vachon et al., in prep.; Vachon and Sirois, in prep.; Vachon in prep. a and c). Other techniques, such as the annual monitoring of juvenile abundance and the genetic characterization of spawners and fry, enable the population to be systematically monitored and the achievement of population objectives to be evaluated.

4. Concluding statement

During the period 2012 to 2018, progress was made towards the species’ recovery.

Artificial spawning has been successful, allowing roughly 760,000 larvae and 99,000 autumn fry (young-of-the-year) of the species to be stocked in the Richelieu River between 2012 and 2018. The development of milt cryopreservation techniques has already maximized the number of families produced, compensating for a limited number of males in certain years and providing a sperm bank for the coming years.

Considerable efforts have also been invested in outreach to various target audiences. Topics addressed have included the importance of vegetated shorelines in reducing the contaminant load in watercourses, precautions to be taken to avoid spreading invasive species, behaviours to be adopted in pleasure boating and fishing, water quality in general and actions that can be taken to modify farming practices to reduce various contaminants at the source.

Although the bacteriological and physicochemical water quality index seems to have improved at several stations, data on the presence of pesticides in two tributaries of the Richelieu River don’t show the same trend. To date, with the exception of nonylphenols and ethoxylated nonylphenols, endocrine disruptors are not subject to any regulations. The modernization of the Pesticides Act, the coming into force of the Regulation Respecting Municipal Wastewater Treatment Works, and the issuing of depollution attestations could prove to be beneficial. The combined effects of pesticides and wastewater discharges are unknown and exposure to pharmaceuticals and personal care products could also be harmful.

The 2014 COSEWIC assessment and status report indicated a decline in the Copper Redhorse population, although the extent of the decline could not be estimated, and described the population as aging. However, implementation of measures in the recovery strategy is producing encouraging results regarding the Copper Redhorse population status.

Although it is a long process, efforts are underway to expand the Pierre-Étienne-Fortin Wildlife Preserve, and new areas could be added in the next few years. Lastly, research and monitoring activities continue to advance our knowledge of the species and the factors that might slow or hinder its recovery.

DFO remains committed to continuing the efforts towards the recovery of the Copper Redhorse. The progress made to date would not have been possible without the contribution of our partners. DFO is looking forward continuing this successful collaboration and welcomes the participation of additional partners.

5. References

• Bibeau, S. pers. comm. Telephone conversation with E. Lapalme. September 2017. Executive Director, Jacques-Cartier ZIP Committee. Montreal, Quebec.
• International Joint Commission. 2014. Lake Ontario St. Lawrence River Plan 2014: Protecting against extreme water levels, restoring wetlands and preparing for climate change [Proposed]. A Report to the Governments of Canada and the United States by the International Joint Commission. X + 86 p.
• COSEWIC. 2004. COSEWIC assessment and update status report on the copper redhorse Moxostoma hubbsi in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa, vii + 38 p.
• COSEWIC. 2014. 2014. COSEWIC assessment and status report on the Copper Redhorse Moxostoma hubbsi in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa. xiii + 80 pp.
• COVABAR. 2011. Caractérisation du bassin versant des Hurons Nord. 72 p. + 2 appendices.
• COVABAR. 2013. Rapport de caractérisation du bassin versant de la rivière L’Acadie : secteur Massé. 61 p.
• COVABAR. 2016. Rapport de caractérisation du bassin versant de la rivière L’Acadie : secteur Acadie-Centre. 52 p. + 3 appendices.
• DFO, 2007. Recovery Potential Assessment of Copper Redhorse (Moxostoma hubbsi). Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat, Science Advisory Report 2007/043
• DFO. 2012. Recovery strategy for the Copper Redhorse (Moxostoma hubbsi) in Canada, Species at Risk Act Recovery strategy Series. Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Ottawa, xi + 60 pp.
• DFO. 2016. Inventaire du chevalier cuivré dans le lac Saint-Louis. Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Englobe. vi + 25 p. + 6 appendices.
• Drouin, É. pers. comm. 2017. Email message to E. Lapalme. September 2017. Biologist, Ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs, Government of Quebec, Longueuil, Quebec.
• Fleury, C. pers. comm. Telephone conversation with E. Lapalme. August 2017. Scientific advisor, Ville de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec.
• Fournier, A. et D. Desrochers. 2009. Manuel d’opération et d’entretien des passes à poissons au lieu historique national du Canal-de-Saint-Ours, final report prepared for Parks Canada Agency by Milieu inc., 116 p.
• Giroux, I. 2015. Présence de pesticides dans l’eau au Québec : Portrait et tendances dans les zones de maïs et de soya – 2011 à 2014, Québec, Ministère du Développement durable, de l’Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, Direction du suivi de l’état de l’environnement, ISBN .978-2-550-73603-5, 47 p. + 5 appendices. [online] http://www.MELCC.gouv.qc.ca/eau/flrivlac/pesticides.htm.
• Grondin, P. 2016a. La reproduction artificielle des salmonidés indigènes, Québec,
• Ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs, Direction générale de l’expertise sur la
• Grondin, P. 2016 b. L’insémination différée et les dilueurs pour salmonidés. Ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs, Direction générale de l’expertise sur la faune et ses habitats, Direction de la faune aquatique. Technical report. 26 p.
• Hatry, C., J. D. Thiem, D. Hatin, P. Dumont, K. E. Smokorowski and S. J. Cooke. 2016. Fishway approach behaviour and passage of three redhorse species (Moxostoma anisurum, M. Carinatum, and M. Macrolepidotum) in the Richelieu River, Quebec. Environmental Biology of Fishes 99(2):249–263.
• JFSA. 2017. Impact du batillage sur la mise en suspension des sédiments. Rivière Richelieu, Qc. Prepared for: Division de la gestion des espèces en péril. Division régionale de la gestion des écosystèmes. 40 p. + appendices.
• Le Floch, A. pers. comm. 2017. Telephone conversation with E. Lapalme. August 2017. Scientific advisor, Ville de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec.
• Lemay, Lt. C. pers. comm. 2017. Telephone conversation with E. Lapalme. September 2017. Chef de service à la direction de la protection de la faune. Ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs, Gouvernement du Québec, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec.
• Maltais, D. pers. comm. 2017. Email messages to E. Lapalme. August 2017. Aquatic Science Biologist, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Government of Canada, Mont-Joli, Quebec.
• Marchand, H. pers. comm. 2019. Email messages to N. Vachon. October 2019. Doctoral student at McGill University, Montreal, Quebec.
• Massé, H. pers. comm. 2017. Email messages to V. Coutu. September 2017. Wildlife technician, Ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs, Government of Quebec, Longueuil, Quebec.
• MDDELCC. 2014. Attestation d’assainissement municipales — Orientations pour la délivrance de la première attestation d’assainissement, Québec, Ministère du Développement durable, de l’Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, Direction générale des politiques de l’eau. iii + 20 p.
• MDDELCC, 2017. Banque de données sur la qualité aquatique (BQMA), Quebec City, Direction générales du suivi de l’état de l’environnement.
• MFFP. 2015. Lignes directrices pour la conservation des habitats fauniques. Ministère des forêts, de la faune et des parcs. Direction générale de la valorisation du patrimoine naturel. 4th edition. iii + 41 p.
• Piché, I. pers. comm. 2017. Telephone conversations with E. Lapalme. September 2017. Biologist, Ministère du Développement durable, de l’Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, Government of Quebec, Longueuil, Quebec.
• Tessier, N. pers. comm. 2019. Discussions with N. Vachon. October 2019. Biologist, Ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs, Government of Quebec, Longueuil, Quebec.
• Thiem, J. D., T. R. Binder, P. Dumont, D. Hatin, C. Hatry, C. Katopodis, K. M. Stamplecoskie and S. J. Cooke. 2013. Multispecies Fish Passage Behaviour in a Vertical Slot Fishway on the Richelieu River, Quebec, Canada. River Research and Applications 29:582–592.
• Vachon, N. 2010. Reproduction artificielle, ensemencements et suivi du recrutement du chevalier cuivré en 2009, Ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune, Unité de gestion des ressources naturelles et de la faune de Montréal-Montérégie, Longueuil, Technical report 16-44, vii + 28 p. + 5 appendices.
• Vachon, N., S. Velásquez, P. Grondin and H. Massé. 2013. Premiers essais de cryopréservation de la laitance du chevalier cuivré (Moxostoma hubbsi). Talk given at Atelier sur la faune aquatique [aquatic wildlife workshop], Quebec City, February 19–21, 2013.
• Vachon, N. 2018. Reproduction artificielle, suivi du recrutement et premiers essais de cryopréservation de la laitance du chevalier cuivré (Moxostoma hubbsi) en 2012. Technical report 16-52, 33 p.
• Vachon, N. and C. Sirois. in prep. Reproduction artificielle, ensemencements et suivi de la population de chevalier cuivré (Moxostoma hubbsi) en 2014. Ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs. Direction de la gestion de la faune de l’Estrie, de Montréal, de la Montérégie et de Laval. Technical report 16-54.
• Vachon, N. in prep. a. Le rétablissement du chevalier cuivré (Moxostoma hubbsi) par le soutien à la population par la reproduction artificielle de 2004 à 2014 : méthodes, suivis, bilan et perspectives.
• Vachon, N. in prep. b. Recherche de sub-adultes et suivi du recrutement du chevalier cuivré en 2016.
• Vachon, N. in prep. c. Reproduction artificielle, ensemencements et suivi de la population du chevalier cuivré (Moxostoma hubbsi) en 2013.
• Vachon, N. in prep. d. Reproduction artificielle, ensemencements et suivi de la population du chevalier cuivré (Moxostoma hubbsi) en 2017.
• Vachon, N. in prep. e. Reproduction artificielle, ensemencements et suivi de la population du chevalier cuivré (Moxostoma hubbsi) en 2018.
• Vachon, N. and S. Garceau. in prep. Recherche de sub-adultes de chevalier cuivré en 2015.
• Vachon, N., S. Velásquez-Medina and P. Grondin. in prep. Motilité des spermatozoïdes du chevalier cuivré dans les différents traitements de cryopréservation en 2013.
• Vachon, N. pers. comm. 2017. Telephone conversations with E. Lapalme. August and September 2017. Biologist, Ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs, Government of Quebec, Longueuil, Quebec.

Appendix 1 — List of abbreviations

AAFC

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

AMQ

Association Maritime du Québec

BQMA

Banque de données sur la qualité du milieu aquatique [databank on quality of the aquatic environment]

CARA

Corporation d’aménagement de la rivière l’Assomption

AEAC

Agri-environmental advisory club

IJC

International Joint Commission

MMC

Montreal Metropolitan Community 

NCC

Nature Conservancy of Canada

COSEWIC

Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada

COVABAR

Comité de concertation et de valorisation du bassin de la rivière Richelieu

CRECQ

Conseil régional de l'environnement du Centre-du-Québec

ECCC

Environment and Climate Change Canada

NWCF

National Wetland Conservation Fund

FédéCP

Fédération québécoise des chasseurs et pêcheurs

FFQ

Fondation de la faune du Québec

IRF

Interdepartmental Recovery Fund

MLI

Maurice Lamontagne Institute

IQBP

Indice de qualité bactériologique et physico-chimique de l’eau [index of bacteriological and physicochemical water quality]

ARCDW

Act Respecting the Conservation and Development of Wildlife

EQA

Environment Quality Act

MAPAQ

Ministère de l’Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l’Alimentation du Québec

MELCC

Ministère de l’Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques

MFFP

Ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs

DFO

Fisheries and Oceans Canada

MRNF

Ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune

MTQ

Ministère des Transports du Québec

WO

Watershed organization

OMAE

Ouvrage municipal d’assainissement des eaux [municipal wastewater treatment plant]

FFHPP

Fish and Fish Habitat Protection Program

PPLRLZF

Protection Policy for Lakeshores, Riverbanks, Littoral Zones and Floodplains 

ROBVQ

Regroupement des organismes de bassins versants du Québec [Quebec association of watershed organizations]

RSI

Réseau de suivi ichtyologique [fish monitoring network]

LUDP

Land use and development plan

SEG permit

Permit for capturing wild animals for scientific, educational or management purposes

SPQA

Stratégie phytosanitaire québécoise en agriculture [Quebec’s crop health strategy]

UPA

Union des producteurs agricoles

Appendix 2 — Copper Redhorse Recovery Team

Members of the Copper Redhorse Recovery Team: