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A reconnaissance survey ofUNNAMED MARSH (M1)

Marble River Watershed

(Watershed code 930-8652-100)(Sequence no. 02)

Prepared forMINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, LANDS AND PARKS

Region 1Nanaimo, B.C.

byR.J. Fielden

AQUATIC RESOURCES LIMITEDVancouver, B.C.

ARL Report 238-6October, 1998

A reconnaissance survey of unnamed marsh (M1) ii

Aquatic Resources Limited October, 1998

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The British Columbia Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks contracted AquaticResources Limited in 1996 to conduct standard MELP style reconnaissance surveys offive small unnamed lakes and two marshes located in the lower part of the Marble Riverwatershed. The Marble River is located on northern Vancouver Island. Marsh M1 islocated 18.5 km south of Port Hardy. Roads, accessible by two wheel drive vehicle withgood ground clearance, come to within 600 m of the marsh. The marsh was surveyed onOctober 13, 1996.

Marsh M1 has 13,000 m2 of open water with a maximum depth of 6.2 m. The drainagearea of the marsh is 4.8 km2. It is drained by an unnamed creek (watershed code 930-8652-100) that flows southeast for 1.9 km to the lower Marble River. This creek drainsfour of the lakes and the two marshes that were surveyed during the study. There arethree tributaries flowing into the marsh.

The marsh lies within Tree Farm License #6 managed by Western Forest Products Ltd.The area to the west of the marsh was logged in the late 1980's and replanted in 1990 withDouglas fir. The area to the east of the marsh is unlogged and is forested mainly by 90year old western hemlock.

Fish in the marsh were sampled by gillnet and Geetraps. Cutthroat trout was the onlyspecies captured. Cutthroat trout densities were high and sizes were small compared tocutthroat trout in the lakes that were surveyed in the area. Cutthroat trout juveniles andprickly sculpins were captured in the main tributary to the marsh and in the outlet creek.Cutthroat trout juveniles were also captured in the smaller tributary. Cascadesdownstream of the marsh are likely a barrier to anadromous fish.

There were signs of black bear, beaver, blacktail deer, Stellar's jay and red squirrel in thearea. Aquatic plants observed in the marsh included floating-leaved pond weed, greaterbladderwort, yellow pond-lily and fragrant waterlily.

Logging in the future should be carried out in such a manner as to minimize the impactson the three spawning and rearing areas. The marsh is not likely to have much appeal toanglers. Roads to the marsh have been deactivated and the thick border of hardhackaround the pond makes it difficult to gain access for anglers.

A reconnaissance survey of unnamed marsh (M1) iii


ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This project was funded by Forest Renewal British Columbia through the Ministry ofEnvironment, Lands and Parks. Arlene Tompkins of MELP was the contract authorityand Tim Slaney of Aquatic Resources was the project manager. The field work wasconducted by Rob Fielden and Rick Fielden. Stephanie Eagen and Rob Fielden aged thefish. Tracy Cardinal did the bathymetric mapping. Stephanie Eagen, Dan Gebhart,Bronwen Lewis and Arlene Tompkins reviewed and improved the report.

A reconnaissance survey of unnamed marsh (M1) iv


TABLE OF CONTENTS

TITLE PAGE .............................................................................................. iEXECUTIVE SUMMARY ......................................................................... iiACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ........................................................................ iiiTABLE OF CONTENTS ............................................................................ ivLIST OF FIGURES ..................................................................................... viLIST OF TABLES ...................................................................................... viLIST OF PHOTOS ...................................................................................... viiLIST OF APPENDICES ............................................................................. vii

1.0 INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................... 1

2.0 GEOGRAPHIC AND MORPHOLOGIC INFORMATION ....................... 32.1 Location ........................................................................................... 32.2 Data on file ...................................................................................... 32.3 Marsh drainage ................................................................................ 42.3.1 Stream habitat ...................................................................... 42.3.1.1 Assessment methods ............................................... 42.3.1.2 Outlet ....................................................................... 52.3.1.3 L3 outlet .................................................................. 52.3.1.4 Tributary M1-T1 ...................................................... 62.4 Access .............................................................................................. 62.5 Physical data .................................................................................... 72.6 Terrain and vegetation ..................................................................... 82.6.1 Immediate shoreline ............................................................ 82.6.2 Surrounding country ............................................................ 8

3.0 DEVELOPMENTS AND LAND USE ....................................................... 93.1 Land status ....................................................................................... 93.2 Development and land use .............................................................. 93.2.1 Resorts and campsites ......................................................... 93.2.2 Timber harvest ..................................................................... 93.2.3 Trap lines ............................................................................. 93.2.4 Waste permits ...................................................................... 103.2.5 Water permits ...................................................................... 103.2.6 Mining claims ...................................................................... 103.2.7 Recreation resource inventory ............................................. 103.2.8 Special regulations and restrictions ..................................... 10

A reconnaissance survey of unnamed marsh (M1) v


4.0 FISH POPULATION SAMPLING ............................................................. 114.1 Fish capture methods ........................................................... 114.1.1 Gillnets ................................................................................ 114.1.2 Gee trap ............................................................................... 114.1.3 Electrofishing ...................................................................... 124.2 Catch summary/species composition .............................................. 124.2.1 Relative abundance ............................................................. 134.3 Size, age, growth, sexual maturity and condition ............................ 134.3.1 Salmonids ............................................................................ 144.3.2 Non-salmonid species ......................................................... 14

5.0 LIMNOLOGICAL SAMPLING ..................................................... 175.1 Methods ........................................................................................... 175.2 Results ............................................................................................. 175.2.1 Field conditions ................................................................... 175.2.2 pH ........................................................................................ 175.2.3 Conductivity ........................................................................ 18

6.0 OTHER FLORA AND FAUNA ................................................................. 186.1 Aquatic plants .................................................................................. 186.2 Wildlife observations ...................................................................... 18

7.0 SUMMARY OF PREVIOUS SURVEY INFORMATION ........................ 18

8.0 MANAGEMENT COMMENTS ................................................................ 18

REFERENCES ............................................................................................ 20

A reconnaissance survey of unnamed marsh (M1) vi


LIST OF FIGURES

1. Marble River reconnaissance survey, 1996. Key map of study lakes. ....... 2

2. Length-frequency distribution of cutthroat trout captured from marsh M1and its tributaries, October 13, 1996. .......................................................... 15

3. Graph of cutthroat trout age versus fork length with ranges of lengths foreach size class. ............................................................................................. 15

LIST OF TABLES

1. Summary of habitat characteristics of the unnamed tributaries and outletto marsh (M1) in the Marble River watershed. ........................................... 7

2. Habitat characteristics of the areas where Gee traps were set inmarsh M1. .................................................................................................... 12

3. Electrofishing data for the tributaries and outlet of marsh M1, October 13,1996. ............................................................................................................ 12

4. Unnamed marsh M1 and marsh M1 tributary catch summary, October,1996. ............................................................................................................ 13

5. Catch per unit effort (fish.h-1.gillnet-1) for gillnets set in various lakes inthe lower Marble River area, October 6-17, 1996. ...................................... 13

6. Length, weight and condition factor (K) statistics for fish caught inmarsh M1 and it's tributaries to the marsh, October 1996. ......................... 16

7. Comparison of cutthroat trout sizes captured from various lakes in thelower Marble River area, October 6 - 17, 1996. .......................................... 16

A reconnaissance survey of unnamed marsh (M1) vii


LIST OF PHOTOGRAPHS

1. View of the marsh from the air with the outlet to lake L3 flowing into themarsh at the top of the photo. ...................................................................... 23

2. View along the east shore of the marsh looking toward the outlet. ............ 233. Southern end of the marsh. .......................................................................... 234. Eastern shore of the marsh in the vicinity of tributary M1-T1. ................... 245. View of the marsh facing west towards the northeast corner of the marsh. 246. The country around the northern end of the marsh has been logged.

Hardhack is the dominant species of vegetation growing around the area ofopen water. .................................................................................................. 24

7. Numerous cutthroat trout juveniles were captured in the outlet to lake L3100 m upstream from where it flows into marsh M1. ................................. 25

8. A few cutthroat juveniles were captured in tributary M1-T1. ..................... 259. Cutthroat juveniles were fairly numerous in the outlet to the marsh. ......... 25

LIST OF APPENDICES

A Fish collection data form ............................................................................. 26B Original stream survey forms ....................................................................... 28C Photodocumentation cards .......................................................................... 32D Lake outline map ......................................................................................... 35E Air photo ..................................................................................................... 37F Watershed code summary ........................................................................... 39

A reconnaissance survey of unnamed marsh (M1) 1


1.0 INTRODUCTION

The British Columbia Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks (MELP)contracted Aquatic Resources Limited in 1996 to conduct standard MELP stylereconnaissance surveys of five small lakes and two marshes located in the lowerpart of the Marble River watershed (Fielden 1997a-f). The Marble River(watershed code 930-8652) is located on northern Vancouver Island south of PortHardy. The lakes and marshes are all located within four kilometres of oneanother (Figure 1). The lakes were labelled unnamed lake L1, L2, L3, etc. inorder from west to east and the marshes were labelled as unnamed marsh M1 andM2. All the waterbodies except lake L5 flow into a tributary (watershed code930-8652-100) that joins the Marble River 3.2 km upstream from the river mouth.Lake L5 flows into a separate tributary (watershed code 930-8652-156) that flowsinto the Marble River, 1.5 km below Alice Lake. The surveys were conductedbetween October 6, 1996 and October 17, 1996, by Rob Fielden and Rick Fieldenof Aquatic Resources Ltd., Vancouver, B.C. Unnamed marsh M1 was surveyedon October 13. The primary objective of the study was to collect information forfisheries and resource management. Procedures used followed those outlined inthe B.C. Forest Practices Code and MELP Resource Inventory Committeestandards and guidelines (RIC 1995).

The Terms of Reference list the following tasks that were to be completed:

1) Inventory the lakes and their tributaries using standard MELP surveymethods to collect baseline information.

2) Analyse the information and prepare standard reports with photographicdocumentation, baseline fisheries statistics and recreation opportunities.

A reconnaissance survey of unnamed lake (M1) 2




2.0 GEOGRAPHIC AND MORPHOLOGIC INFORMATION

2.1 Location

Location: 18.5 km south of Port Hardy, B.CWatershed name: Marble RiverWatershed code: 930-8652-100Gazetted lake name: noneLake elevation: 60 m +/- (TRIM map no. 92L.053)Latitude/ longitude: 50°33.05 N: 127°26.80 WUTM: 09.608192.5600726Sequence no.: 02NTS map number: 92 L/11BCGS map number: 92L.053TRIM map number: 92L.053Biogeoclimatic zone: Submontaine variant of the very wet maritime

subzone in the Coastal Western Hemlockbiogeoclimatic zone (CWHvm1).

MOE region, district: Region 1, Vancouver IslandManagement units: 1-13Fisheries planning unit: West CoastNative land claim areas: Quatsino BandMOF region, district: Vancouver Island, Port McNeill Forest DistristAerial photo survey no’s: 30BC80066 no. 191 (year 1980)

2.2. Data on file

The following sources were reviewed for information on marsh M1:

1) Aerial photographs.

2) NTS 1:50,000 maps, TRIM 1:20,000 maps, Aquatic and biophysical maps,MINFILE maps and MoF forest cover maps.

3) The DFO-MELP Stream Information Summary System (SISS) and theDFO Salmon Escapement Database and Report System (SEDS) wasreviewed for information. These two databases contained no informationon marsh M1 or it’s tributaries.

4) DFO habitat management in Nanaimo had no information on file (RickHiggins, DFO, pers. comm.).

5) Nanaimo and Port Hardy MELP files were examined. The files containedno information on marsh M1.



6) A logging road map was obtained from Western Forest Products.

7) Western Forest Products (Port McNeill) was contacted in August 1996 forstream classification information. WFP had no new stream classificationinformation for marsh M2.

2.3 Marsh drainage

Unnamed marsh M1 is situated north of the Marble River and south of RupertInlet at an elevation of 60 m. The outlet to the marsh is a third order (1:20,000TRIM map) creek (watershed code 930-8652-100) that flows south for 1.8 km tothe Marble River. The confluence of the marsh outlet creek with the MarbleRiver is located 3.2 km upstream from the river mouth and approximately 200 mdownstream of Bear Falls. The Marble River flows into Varney Bay in RupertInlet on the west coast of Vancouver Island. The marsh has three tributaries. Themajor tributary at the north end of the marsh drains lake L2, L3 and L4 and marshM2 (Fielden 1997b,c,d and f).

2.3.1 Stream habitat

The 1:20,000 TRIM map shows three tributaries flowing into the marsh(Appendix D). The main tributary (L3 outlet) is a third order stream that drainsseveral lakes and marshes. Site 2 was surveyed on this creek ≈100 m upstreamfrom the marsh. A small, second order tributary (M1-T1) flows into the east sideof the marsh. It was surveyed at Site 3 approximately 50 m upstream. M1-T2 is afirst order creek that flows into the south end of the marsh. This creek had flow ofonly 0.5 L.sec-1 and had a channel width of 1 m. The creek is likely dry in thesummer and has no fish habitat due to its small size. The outlet was sampledapproximate 50 m downstream of the marsh at Site 4.

2.3.1.1 Assessment methods

Stream habitat was assessed following the Fish Habitat Inventory and InformationProgram format (FHIIP 1987). Ground estimates were made on habitatproportion, substrate composition, fish cover, bank height, bank stability, floodsigns and amount of channel debris. Gradient was measured with a Suuntoclinometer. Channel widths were measured with a tape and stream depths under1 m were measured with a metre stick. Six channel widths were generally takenat the sampling sites in accordance with Forest Practices Code procedures (BCEnvironment 1995). Depths over 1 m deep were visually estimated.



An uncorrected Garmin 45 GPS was used to determine the positions of variousfeatures and samples sites. The GPS accuracy varied between 15 and 100 m. Theaccuracy depended on the number of satellites that could be located this dependedon how much of the sky was visible. Water temperatures were measured with ahand held alcohol thermometer. Conductivity was measured with a HannaCONMET 3291 ATC conductivity probe. pH was measured with a bromothymolblue freshwater pH test kit. Total alkalinity was measured with a Hanna 4811alkalinity test kit.

Fish presence and absence was determined using a Smith-Root model 15-Dbackpack electrofisher. The shocking time, indicated by the electroshocker timer,was recorded for each site to provide a rough indication of relative abundance(catch per seconds shocked).

2.3.1.2 Outlet (watershed code 930-8652-100)

The outlet to marsh M1 is a third order creek that was surveyed 100 mdownstream of the marsh. Just downstream of the survey site is a set of cascadesthat probably blocks the passage of anadromous fish. The channel width at Site 4,just below the marsh, is 6.4 m, the substrate is primarily cobble and boulder, andthe gradient averages 5% (Table 1, Photograph 9). The area to the northwest ofthe creek was logged in the late 1980’s. Douglas fir, red cedar and hemlock arethe species of trees that have revegetated the area. Ninety year old hemlock forestis on the southeast side of the creek. Prickly sculpins and cutthroat trout werecaptured by electroshocker at this site (Tables 3 and 4). Cutthroat juveniles werefairly numerous. The area appears to be good salmonid rearing habitat.

Approximately 400 m below marsh M1 the creek joins with the outlet fromlake L1 and flows for another 1.4 km before flowing into the Marble River.

2.3.1.3 Tributary L3 outlet (watershed code 930-8652-100)

The outlet to lake L3 is a second order creek that flows for about 800 m beforedraining into marsh M1. For 600 m below lake L3 the creek meanders throughmarsh habitat that is up to 50 m wide. The creek is deep and slow flowing in thisarea with a channel width of about 5 m. Aquatic vegetation is growing in thechannel and hardhack is growing thickly along the banks. The marsh is borderedby 90 year old hemlock forest along this reach.

There is a reach change in the last 200 m before Marsh M1 as the gradientincreases to 5% (Site 2, Photograph 7). The substrate is cobble and gravel and the



channel width is 8.4 m. The discharge was approximately 0.01 m3.sec-1 onOctober 13, 1996. The area to the west of this reach was logged in the late1980’s. The east side of the reach is unlogged and is vegetated by 90 year oldhemlock forest. Cutthroat juveniles and prickly sculpins appeared to be fairlynumerous in this section of the creek (Table 4). This reach is probably animportant spawning and rearing area for cutthroat trout.

2.3.1.4 Tributary M1-T1 (watershed code 930-8652-100-408)

Tributary M1-T1 is a second order stream that flows southwest for approximately500 m to the east side of the marsh. It has a channel width of 1.5 m, 100 mupstream from the marsh at Site 3 that was surveyed on October 9, 1996. Thegradient is 5% and the substrate consists of cobble and gravel (Photograph 8).The discharge was 3 L.sec-1. This tributary flows through 90 year old hemlockforest. Two cutthroat juveniles were captured in the lower reaches of this creek(Table 4). Fish densities appeared to be low. This creek is small and has a smallamount of trout spawning and rearing habitat. The creek may dry in the summer.

2.4 Access

Branch V500 of the Varney mainline comes to within 100 m of the west side ofthe marsh. The Varney mainline runs along the south side of Rupert Inlet.Branch V500 is accessible by two wheel drive vehicle as far as lake L1 which is a40 min (38 km) drive from Port Hardy. The last 600 m to marsh M1 is onlypassable on foot, as all the culverts have been removed from this section.

The marsh is 15 km southwest of the Port Hardy airport. A helicopter can land onthe road near the marsh. The open water area of the marsh is too small for a floatplane to land.



Table 1. Summary of habitat characteristics of the unnamed tributaries andoutlet to marsh (M1) in the Marble River watershed.

M1 Outlet L3 Outlet M1-T1Site number 2 4 3Reach length (km) 0.4 0.2 0.2Channel width (m) 6.4 8.4 1.5Wetted width (m) 3.8 4.7 1.3Riffle depth (cm) 13 8 4Pool depth (cm) 77 23 13% pool 30 70 60% riffle 70 30 40% glide 0 0 0% cascades 0 0 0% rapids 0 0 0Gradient (%) 5 5 5Debris area (%) 5 10 10% stable 100 100 100% fines 0 0 0% small gravel 0 10 10% large gravel 10 20 20% small cobble 25 20 30% large cobble 40 30 30% boulder 20 20 10% bedrock 5 0 0D90 (cm) 40 50 30Total cover (%) 20 30 20% deep pool 0 0 0% LOD 20 30 30% boulder 50 50 60% instream veg. 10 0 0% overstream veg. 20 10 0% cutbank 0 10 10

2.5 Physical data

Marsh drainage area: 4.8 km2 Water surface area: 13,000 m2

Perimeter of islands: n/a Shoreline perimeter: 450 mNumber of islands: 0 Maximum depth: 6.2 mSecchi disc: 4-5 m Elevation: 60 m



2.6 Terrain and vegetation

2.6.1 Immediate shoreline

Unnamed marsh M1 has an oval shape with a total area of 45,000 m2, of which13,000 m2 is open water. Surrounding the area of open water is marsh vegetationconsisting of sedge, hardhack (Spiraea douglasii) and Labrador tea (Ledumgroenlandicum) growing to the water's edge. Beyond this area is a 5 to 10 m wideband of heavy brush consisting primarily of salal (Gaultheria shallon), small redcedars (Thuja plicata) and western hemlocks (Tsuga heterophylla). Beyond thebrush are larger conifers, consisting primarily of hemlock.

There are no beaches as vegetation grows to the waters edge. In the open waterarea the marsh bottom is composed of fine organic sediment. Several species ofaquatic macrophytes grow around the shore of the marsh. Floating-leavedpondweed (Potamogeton natans) grows at depths less than 1.5 m. Pond lilies(Nuphar polysepalum and Nymphaea odorata)) are scattered along the edge of theopen water area.

Along the shore, emergent floating and submergent vegetation provide abundantcover for fish. While this vegetation is probably not important as cover for adultcuttroat trout in the marsh, it is significant in that it adds to marsh productivityand provides a substrate for the invertebrates upon which the cutthroat feed.

2.6.2 Surrounding country

The country surrounding marsh M1 is an area of rolling hills of low relief that liewithin the Coastal Western Hemlock biogeoclimatic zone. The largest hill lies tothe east and rises up at 10° to an elevation of 180 m. The area to the north andwest of the marsh was logged and then replanted in 1990 with Douglas fir(Pseudotsuga menziesii). Western hemlock and red cedar have reseeded naturallyand are also numerous. Fireweed (Epilobium angustifolium) and salal dominatethe underbrush. A 10 to 20 m wide strip of timber was left around the edge of themarsh in this area.

The east and south sides of the marsh are unlogged. The composition of thevegetation in this area reflects two events. A forest fire swept through the area180 years ago and then a storm knocked down 15,000 ha of timber in the VarneyBay area in 1906 (Kerry McGourlick, WFP, pers. comm.). Most of the timberaround the lake is 90 year old western hemlock (that grew up after the storm).Mixed in with the hemlock are numerous snags and windfalls that are the



remnants of cedar trees killed by the fire. There are also a few 400 year old redcedar and Douglas fir that survived the fire and the storm. As well, there arescattered 180 year old Douglas firs that grew up after the fire and survived the1906 storm, and scattered 90-180 year old sitka spruce and amabilis fir. There arefew understory plants because of the dense canopy created by the westernhemlock trees.

3.0 DEVELOPMENTS AND LAND USE

3.1 Land status

The marsh M1 watershed is crown land that lies within Tree Farm License #6managed by Western Forest Products. The area north and east of the marsh waslogged in the late 1980’s.

The lake is within the Kwakiutl Tribal Group - Quatsino Band consultation area.

The marsh is moderately scenic, although logging has negatively changed theaesthetics of the area.

3.2 Development and land use

3.2.1 Resorts and campsites

There are no resorts or campsites in the vicinity of marsh M1.

3.2.2 Timber harvest

The only development in the area around marsh M1 has to do with logging. Thearea lies within Tree Farm License #6 managed by Western Forest Products. Sofar the area to the north and east of the marsh has been logged and was replantedin 1990. The logging was conducted from Branch V500 off of the Varneymainline and several side roads leading off of Branch V500. Many of these roadshave been deactivated. No logging is planned for the area around the marsh in the1996-2000 five year logging plan (Phillip Wainwright, WFP, pers. comm.).

3.2.3 Trap lines

Unnamed marsh M1 lies within trap line licence TR01131811 (Mapno. 92L NW/SW). Marten (Martes americana) is the main species of interest,although river otter (Lontra canadensis), raccoon (Procyon lotor), and mink(Mustela vison) are also likely present (Karen Morrison, MELP, pers. comm.).



3.2.4 Waste permits

There are no waste permits for the area around marsh M1.

3.2.5 Water permits

There are no water permits for marsh M1.

3.2.6 Mining claims

The mineral occurrence map (1:250,000 Minfile Map 092L - updated May 1996,B.C. Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources) indicates that the areasurrounding marsh M1 was laid down during the upper Triassic period and is ofa formation within a group of stratified rocks called the Vancouver group. Thesurrounding area is of the Karmutsen formation which is comprised of basalticlava, pillow lava, breccia, aquagene tuff, greenstone and minor limestone.

There are no producing mines, past producing mines, developed prospects,prospects or showings in the marsh M1 watershed. There are several prospectsand showings and one mine within 5 km of the lake, mainly involving copper.The mine is a large open pit mine called Island Copper, owned by BHP Minerals.It is situated along the northern shore of Rupert Inlet, 5 km to the north ofLake L1. This mine is in the process of being deactivated and will be shut downin 1997.

3.2.7 Recreation resource inventory

The marsh has a population of cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii) althoughthere was no evidence that the lake is frequented by anglers. Grouse, deer(Odocoileus sp.) and black bears (Ursus americanus) in the area provide huntingopportunities. Several hunters were noticed on the roads in the area during thestudy.

3.2.8 Special regulations and restrictions

No special restrictions are listed in the April 1, 1996, to March 31, 1997, BritishColumbia Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis. The general regulations anddaily catch/possession quotas apply to this lake.



4.0 FISH POPULATION SAMPLING

4.1 Fish capture methods

4.1.1 Gillnets

A standard floating BC MELP gillnet (RIC 1995) was used to sample fish duringthe day in the open water area of the marsh. This net was 91.2 m long, 2.4 m deepand consisted of 6, 15 m long panels of different mesh sizes (25, 76, 51, 89, 38and 64 mm stretch mesh).

Floating gillnet:Site 1 Site UTM: 09.608265.5600800Date set: Oct. 13, 1996 Time set: 11:30Date lifted: Oct. 13, 1996 Time lifted: 12:40Total soak time: 1.2 h Distance from shore: 10Shallow end depth: 0.5 m shallow end substrate: organic oozeDeep end depth: 6 m Deep end substrate: organic oozeDeep end mesh size: 89 mm Shallow end mesh size: 25 mm

4.1.2 Gee traps

Ten Gee minnow traps were set along the western shore of the marsh (Table 2,Appendix D). The traps were baited with salmon roe and left to fish for sevenhours during the day.

Site 5 Site UTM: 09.608265.5600650Date set: Oct. 13, 1996 Time set: 11:30Date lifted: Oct. 13, 1996 Time lifted: 18:30Total soak time: 7 h Number of traps: 10



Table 2. Habitat characteristics of the areas where Gee traps were set inmarsh M1.

Trap no. Depth (m) Substrate Covertype

Distance toshore (m)

Distance tocover (m)

1 0.3 fine IV 2.0 02 0.4 fine IV 1.0 03 0.3 fine IV 1.0 04 0.3 fine IV 1.5 05 0.4 fine IV 0.5 06 0.6 fine IV 4.0 07 1.0 fine IV 3.0 08 0.6 fine IV 1.0 09 0.5 fine IV 2.0 010 0.5 fine IV 0.5 0

IV - instream vegetation

4.1.3 Electrofishing

A Smith-Root model 15-D backpack electrofisher was used to determine fishpresence and species composition in the marsh outlet and the marsh tributaries(Table 3).

Table 3. Electrofishing data for the tributaries and outlet of marsh M1,October 13, 1996.

Location Site UTM Shockingtime(sec)

Temp.(°C)

Cond.(µS.cm-1)

Length ofsite

shocked(m)

Shockersettings

L3 outlet 2 09.608310.5600960 494 11.5 38 15 L5, 500VM1-T1 3 09.608350.5600850 326 9.5 147 30 L5, 500VM1 outlet 4 09.608089.5600790

.262 12.5 67 10 L5, 500V

N/R - not recorded

4.2 Catch summary/species composition

Cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii) were captured in the marsh and cutthroattrout and prickly sculpins (Cottus asper) were captured in the stream habitat(Table 4). The absence of coho indicates that the marsh could be inaccessible toanadromous fish.



Table 4. Unnamed marsh M1 and marsh M1 tributary catch summary,October 1996.

Location Site Capturetechnique

Cutthroat trout Prickly sculpins

Marsh 1 floating gillnet 26 0Marsh 5 minnow trap 0 0L3 outlet 7 electroshocker 11 4M1-T1 3 electroshocker 2 0M1 outlet 4 electroshocker 9 1

4.2.1 Relative abundance

The gillnet averaged 22 cutthroat.h-1.net-1 during day light hours (Table 5). Of thefive lakes and two marshes surveyed, marsh M1 had one of the highest catch ratesfor cutthroat trout, although the fish were small. Catch rates for the other lakesand marsh ranged from 0.6 to 22.0 fish.h-1.net-1.

Table 5. Catch per unit effort (fish.h-1.gillnet-1) for gillnets set in various lakesin the lower Marble River area, October 6-17, 1996.

System Dolly Varden Cutthroat trout Coho KokaneeLake L1 0.0 1.9 0.0 0.3Lake L2 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0Lake L3 0.0 21.3 0.0 0.0Lake L4 0.0 1.7 0.0 0.0Lake L5 0.2 0.9 0.7 0.0Marsh M1 0.0 22.0 0.0 0.0Marsh M2 0.0 0.6 0.0 0.0

4.3 Size, age, growth, sexual maturity and condition

Fish fork lengths were measured on a measuring board (±0.5 mm) and then thefish were weighed on an Ohaus C305 portable electronic scale (±0.1 g.). Scalesamples were taken from a sample of sport fish from each size class. The scaleswere placed between labeled microscope slides and read using a microscope. Theages of the fish that were sampled were used to extrapolate the ages of the rest ofthe fish measured so that mean sizes for each age group could be calculated. Thescales were read by Stephanie Eagen and Rob Fielden who have read scales overthe past few years for Aquatic Resources. When age discrepancies occurredbetween the two readers, the scales were reassessed a third time by Rob Fieldenand given a final age.



Condition factor (K) was calculated for cutthroat trout and the other species offish where K = 100(W).(L)-3 (W = weight in grams and L = fork length in cm;Ricker 1975).

4.3.1 Salmonids

A total of 48 cutthroat trout were sampled from marsh M1 and the creeks flowingto and from the marsh (Table 6, Appendix A). These fish ranged in length from48 to 213 mm (Figure 2) and in age from 0+ (no winter annulus; Mackay and Ash1990) to age 3+ (three winter annuli). Age 0+ and 1+ trout were captured in thecreeks. All of the trout caught in the marsh were age 1+ and older. The troutfrom the marsh were generally younger than trout captured in the nearby lakeswhere the majority of the trout were at least age 3+. Forty percent of the troutfrom the marsh were age 1+, 36% were age 2+ and 24% were age 3+. All of theage 3+ trout, 78% of the age 2+ trout and 10% of the 1+ trout were maturing andwould have spawned in the spring. The general age of maturity for this stock oftrout is three years as the age 2+ fish would be 3 years old at the time ofspawning.

Forty percent of the trout were females.

Unnamed marsh M1 cutthroat trout were relatively slow growing (Figure 3). Thetrout captured in the marsh were the smallest of six marsh and lakes sampled inthe area (Table 7). Age 3+ trout averaged 201 mm in length while age 3+ troutfrom four lakes in the area had average lengths of 227 mm (stdev=22 mm).

The cutthroat captured from marsh M1 had a mean condition factor of 0.99 (n=26,stdev=0.0.06; Table 6) which was 0.02 less than the mean K for cutthroat troutcaptured from the seven lakes and marshes in the area (K=1.01, n=112,stdev=0.08). The high fish densities and competition for food would account forthe lower condition factors of cutthroat trout in this marsh.

4.3.2 Non-salmonid species

Other than cutthroat trout, no other species of fish were captured from the marsh.Prickly sculpins were captured in creeks flowing in and out of the marsh and theyranged from 62 to 108 mm in length.

No stickleback were captured in the system above the cascades just downstreamof the marsh. This area of the outlet is likely a barrier to stickleback and possiblyanadromous fish.



Figure 2. Length-frequency distribution of cutthroat trout captured fromunnamed marsh M1 and its tributaries, October 13, 1996.

0123456789

10

40 80 120 160 200 240 280 320

Num

ber o

f fis

h

Fork length (mm)

Figure 3. Graph of cutthroat trout age versus fork length with ranges of lengthsfor each size class.

0

50

100

150

200

250

0+ 1+ 2+ 3+

Age (years)

Fork

leng

th (m

m)



Table 6. Length, weight and condition factor (K) statistics for fish caught in marsh M1 and tributaries to the marsh, October1996.

Fork length (mm) Weight (g) Condition (K)Species Age Count Average Standard

deviationMinimum Maximum Average Standard

deviationMinimum Maximum Average Standard

deviationMinimum Maximum

CAS all 5 79.8 18.6 62 108 6.00 4.87 2.50 14.00 1.00 0.10 0.84 1.11CT all 48 125.4 59.3 37 213 32.24 31.90 0.50 94.00 1.01 0.10 0.77 1.37CT stream 22 67.6 19.8 37 105 3.96 3.60 0.50 14.40 1.03 0.13 0.77 1.37CT marsh 26 174.3 29.1 125 213 56.17 24.56 21.00 94.00 0.99 0.06 0.86 1.10CT 0+ 18 60.3 13.1 37 84 2.51 1.43 7.30 5.30 1.03 0.13 0.77 1.37CT 1+ 13 128.4 22.5 92 159 23.42 11.08 41.70 40.40 1.02 0.08 0.90 1.24CT 2+ 8 185.6 15.0 166 210 62.63 15.70 86.90 0.96 0.08 0.86 1.06CT 3+ 7 201.4 10.3 183 213 80.11 10.49 62.10 94.00 0.98 0.03 0.94 1.01

Species codes: TSB - threespine stickleback, CAS - prickly sculpin, CT - cutthroat trout, KO - kokanee

Table 7. Comparison of cuttroat trout sizes captured from various lakes in the lower Marble River area, October 6 - 17, 1996.

System n Fork length (mm) Standard deviation (mm)Unnamed lake L1 19 216 31Unnamed lake L3 34 199 29Unnamed lake L4 19 273 55Unnamed lake L5 11 252 39Unnamed marsh M1 26 174 29Unnamed marsh M2 3 189 10

.



5.0 LIMNOLOGICAL SAMPLING

5.1 Methods

- A Hanna 4180 oxygen test kit was used to determine the oxygen level at thesurface.

- in situ pH was made with a bromthymol blue freshwater pH test kit (±0.5%).

- in situ surface conductivity was measured with a Hanna CONMET 3291 ATCconductivity probe (±1.2%).

- in situ surface total alkalinity was measured with a Hanna 4811 alkalinity testkit.

- surface water temperature was measured with a pocket thermometer (±0.2°C).

5.2 Results

5.2.1 Field conditions

Date: October 13, 1996Time: 11:30Latitude/ longitude: 50°33.05 N: 127°26.80 WUTM: 09.608260.5600750Water temperature (°C): 12in situ pH: 6.2in situ conductance (µS): 81Water colour: brown

5.2.2 pH

Unnamed marsh M1 waters were slightly acidic at 6.2 which is outside the rangerecommended for fish culture (6.5 - 9.0), however a level as low as 5.0 is unlikelyto be harmful to acclimated salmonids unless levels of toxic substances such asheavy metals are high. ( SIGMA 1983; Canadian water quality guidelines and;Nagpal 1995).

5.2.3 Conductivity

The specific conductance measurement of 81 µS was close to the average forcoastal B.C. (96.8 µS.cm-1; Ptolemy 1992).



6.0 OTHER FLORA AND FAUNA

6.1 Aquatic plants

Aquatic plants observed in the marsh included Utricularia vulgaris, Potamogetonnatans, Nuphar polysepalum and Nymphaea odorata. Samples have been sent toMELP in Nanaimo for positive identification.

6.2 Wildlife observations

There were signs of (or observations of) the following species of wildlife in thevicinity of marsh M1; black bear (Ursus americanus), blacktail deer (Odocoileushemionus), red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus), beaver (Castor canadensis),marten (Martes americana) and Stellar's jay (Cyanocitta stelleri) .

7.0 SUMMARY OF PREVIOUS SURVEY INFORMATION

No information on previous surveys was found for marsh M1. There is noinformation on file at the Nanaimo and Port Hardy MELP offices.

8.0 MANAGEMENT COMMENTS

Unnamed marsh M1 has a population of cutthroat trout that are relativelyabundant but are small in size. One possible reason for the high densities of troutis the abundance of spawning and rearing habitat in the outlet, tributary M1-T1,and the lake L3 outlet creek that flows into the marsh.

Food production is limiting fish growth due to the high densities of fish. The hightrout densities in the lake indicate that spawning and juvenile rearing habitat isadequate in the creeks in the area and mortality rates are low.

The area to the west of the marsh has been logged and the area to the east isunlogged. Logging in the future should be carried out in such a manner as tominimize the impacts on the three spawning and rearing areas. The first 100 m ofthe outlet and 200 m of the L2 outlet are the most important areas available tomarsh M1 cutthroat trout. Juvenile densities appeared to be high in these twoareas. A few juvenile cutthroat trout were captured in tributary M1-T1 butspawning and rearing habitat is limited as the creek is small and may become dryin the summer.



The marsh is not likely to have much appeal to anglers. Roads to the marsh havebeen deactivated and the thick border of hardhack around the pond makes itdifficult for anglers to access the open water area of the marsh.

The fishing regulations are adequate for the marsh. The trout population wouldbenefit from an increase in fishing pressure so additional restrictions are notneeded. A reduction in fish densities would lead to increased growth rates and anincrease in the average size of the fish. There is probably very little if any fishingpressure on the marsh at the present time.

There is no need for habitat restoration in any of the creeks flowing into or out ofthe marsh. Trout populations in the marsh are high, there appears to be amplespawning and rearing habitat for trout in the creeks and the marsh is probably notfished.



LITERATURE CITED

BC Environment 1995. Fish-stream identification guidebook (Forest Practices Code ofBritish Columbia). 39 p.

CCREM (Canadian Council of Resources and Environment Ministers). 1987. Canadianwater quality guidelines, Environment Canada, Inland Waters Directorate.

Fielden, R.J. 1997a. A reconnaissance survey of Unnamed Lake (L1)(Watershed code930-8652-100-299), Marble River watershed. Prepared by Aquatic Resources Ltd.for BC MELP Nanaimo, B.C. 27 p + appendices.

Fielden, R.J. 1997b. A reconnaissance survey of Unnamed Lake (L2)(Watershed code930-8652-100-587), Marble River watershed. Prepared by Aquatic Resources Ltd.for BC MELP Nanaimo, B.C. 23 p + appendices.

Fielden, R.J. 1997c. A reconnaissance survey of Unnamed Lake (L3)(Watershed code930-8652-100), Marble River watershed. Prepared by Aquatic Resources Ltd. forBC MELP Nanaimo, B.C. 26 p + appendices.

Fielden, R.J. 1997d. A reconnaissance survey of Unnamed Lake (L4)(Watershed code930-8652-100), Marble River watershed. Prepared by Aquatic Resources Ltd. forBC MELP Nanaimo, B.C. 27 p + appendices.

Fielden, R.J. 1997e. A reconnaissance survey of Unnamed Lake (L5)(Watershed code930-8652-156), Marble River watershed. Prepared by Aquatic Resources Ltd. forBC MELP Nanaimo, B.C. 31 p + appendices.

Fielden, R.J. 1997f. A reconnaissance survey of Unnamed Marsh (M2) (Watershed code930-8652-100), Marble River watershed. Prepared by Aquatic Resources Ltd. forBC MELP Nanaimo, B.C. 19 p + appendices.

FHIIP (Fish Habitat Information and Inventory Program). 1986. Stream survey fieldguide. Dept. Fish and Oceans, and Min. Env. Lands and Parks. Vancouver, B.C.32 p.

Higgins, R, DFO Nanaimo, Pers. comm.

Mckay, W.C., G.R. Ash, and H.J. Norris (eds.). 1990 Fish ageing methods for Alberta.R.L & L. Environmental Services Ltd. in assoc. with Alberta Fish and Wildl. Divand Univ. of Alberta, Edmonton. 113 p.

McGourlick, K. 1996. Western Forest Products. Port McNeill, B.C. Pers. comm.



Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources. 1996. Minfile Map 92L.

Morrison, K. 1997. BC Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks. Nanaimo, B.C..Pers. comm.

Nagpal, N.K. 1995. Approved and working criteria for water quality - 1995. Waterquality branch, Environmental Protection Department, Ministry of Environment,Lands and Parks.

Ptolemy, R.A. 1992. Maximum salmonid densities in fluvial habitats in BritishColumbia. Pages 223-250 in L. Berg and P.W. Delaney, editors. Proceedings ofthe Coho Workshop, Nanaimo, B.C., May 26-28 1992.

RIC (Resources Inventory Committee). 1995. Lake and stream inventory standards andprocedures. MELP Fisheries Branch, Inventory Unit. Victoria, B.C. 228 p.

Ricker, W.E. 1975. Computation and interpretation of biological statistics of fishpopulations. Fish. Res. Bd. Can. Bull. No. 191. 382 p.

SIGMA, 1983 Summary of water quality criteria for salmonid hatcheries. SIGMAEnvironmental Consultants Ltd. 163 p.

Vollenweider, R.A. 1968. Scientific fundamentals of the eutrophication of lakes andflowing waters with particular reference to nitrogen and phosphorous as factors ineutrophication. OECD Report No. DAS/CSI/68.27, Paris, OECD.

Wainwright, P. 1997. Western Forest Products. Port McNeill, B.C. Pers. comm.



PHOTOGRAPHS



APPENDIX A

FISH COLLECTION DATA



Appendix A. Unnamed marsh MI fish collection data, October 1996.

Fish number

Capture technique

Location Species Fork Length (mm)

Weight (g)

Scale sample no.

Sex Maturity Activity Age 1 Age 2 Age 3 Final age

K Comments

1 EL marsh CT 200 77.1 1 M MT R 3+ 3 3+ 3+ 0.962 EL marsh CT 201 78.5 2 M MT R 3+ 3 4+ 3+ 0.973 EL marsh CT 143 27.7 3 M IM R 1+ 1 1+ 1+ 0.954 EL marsh CT 209 90.6 4 M MT R regen. 3 regen. regen. 0.995 EL marsh CT 201 75.6 5 F MT R 2+ 3 2+ 2+ 0.936 EL marsh CT 183 62.1 6 F MT R 2+ 3 3+ 3+ 1.017 EL marsh CT 203 81.0 7 F MT R 3+ 3 3+ 3+ 0.978 EL marsh CT 213 91.1 8 F MT R 3+ 3 3+ 3+ 0.949 EL marsh CT 184 53.7 9 M MT R 2+ 2 2+ 2+ 0.8610 EL marsh CT 169 41.7 10 M IM R 1+ 2 1+ 2+ 0.8611 EL marsh CT 210 86.9 11 M MT R 2+ 3 2+ 2+ 0.9412 EL marsh CT 197 77.0 12 F MT R 2+ 3 3+ 3+ 1.0113 EL marsh CT 161 45.7 13 M MT R regen. regen. regen. 1.1014 EL marsh CT 183 65.1 14 M MT R 2+ 2 2+ 2+ 1.0615 EL marsh CT 134 24.7 15 M IM R 1+ 1 1+ 1+ 1.0316 EL marsh CT 159 40.4 16 M IM R 1+ 2 1+ 1+ 1.0117 EL marsh CT 128 22.4 17 F IM R 1+ 1 1+ 1+ 1.0718 EL marsh CT 156 37.1 18 M MT R 1+ 2 1+ 1+ 0.9819 EL marsh CT 166 44.4 19 F IM R 2+ 2 3+ 2+ 0.9720 EL marsh CT 180 60.6 20 M IM R 2+ 2 3+ 2+ 1.0421 EL marsh CT 125 21.0 21 R 1+ 1 1+ 1+ 1.0822 EL marsh CT 139 28.3 22 F IM R 1+ 1 2+ 1+ 1.0523 EL marsh CT 192 73.0 23 M MT R 2+ 2 2+ 2+ 1.0324 EL marsh CT 213 94.0 24 F IM R 2+ 3 3+ 3+ 0.9725 EL marsh CT 129 21.6 25 M IM R 1+ 1 1+ 1+ 1.0126 EL marsh CT 155 39.2 26 F IM R 1+ 2 1+ 1+ 1.0527 EL M1 outlet CT 54 1.7 J R 0+ 1.0828 EL M1 outlet CT 68 3.0 J R 0+ 0.9529 EL M1 outlet CT 53 1.5 J R 0+ 1.0130 EL M1 outlet CT 84 5.3 J R 0+ 0.8931 EL M1 outlet CT 62 2.3 J R 0+ 0.9732 EL M1 outlet CT 78 4.4 J R 0+ 0.9333 EL M1 outlet CT 74 3.8 J R 0+ 0.9434 EL M1 outlet CT 64 3.6 J R 0+ 1.3735 EL M1 outlet CT 37 0.5 J R 0+ 0.9936 EL M1 outlet CAS 89 7.3 J R 1.0437 EL M1-T1 CT 92 7.3 J R 1+ 0.9438 EL M1-T1 CT 66 3.3 J R 0+ 1.1539 EL L3 outlet CT 47 0.8 J R 0+ 0.7740 EL L3 outlet CT 55 1.8 J R 0+ 1.0841 EL L3 outlet CT 63 2.5 J R 0+ 1.0042 EL L3 outlet CT 61 2.4 J R 0+ 1.0643 EL L3 outlet CT 44 1.0 J R 0+ 1.1744 EL L3 outlet CT 54 1.7 J R 0+ 1.0845 EL L3 outlet CT 44 0.9 J R 0+ 1.0646 EL L3 outlet CT 100 9.0 J R 1+ 0.9047 EL L3 outlet CT 104 11.3 J R 1+ 1.0048 EL L3 outlet CT 78 4.7 J R 0+ 0.9949 EL L3 outlet CT 105 14.4 J R 1+ 1.2450 EL L3 outlet CAS 69 3.2 A R 0.9751 EL L3 outlet CAS 71 3.0 A R 0.8452 EL L3 outlet CAS 62 2.5 A R 1.0553 EL L3 outlet CAS 108 140.0 A R 1.11

Codes:Species: CT - cutthroat trout; CAS - prickly sculpin; CO - coho; DV - Dolly Varden; KO - kokanee; TSB - threespine stickleback Capture method: EL -electroshocking; GN - gillnet; MT - minnow trapActivity - R - rearingMaturity - J - juvenile; IM - immature; MT - maturing; M - mature



APPENDIX B

ORIGINAL STREAM SURVEY CARDS



Tributary no. 2 to marsh M1 (M1-T2)



100 m downstream of M1 - marsh M1 outlet



L3 outlet - 100 m from M1



APPENDIX C

UNNAMED MARSH M1 PHOTODOCUMENTATION



Appendix C. Photodocumentation data

Survey start date

Stream name (gaz.) Stream name (loc.) Watershed code Agency Crew (Init 1)

Crew (Init 2)

Reach/ site card (Y/N)

Fish cards (Y/N)

Roll/ batch no.

Counter no.

Negative no.

Date of photo Reach no. Site no. TRIM Map no.

UTM mtd G/M

96/10/06 Unnamed Lake Lake L3 930-8652-100 ARL RJF JRF N N 2 22 22 96/09/08 92L.053 G96/10/06 Unnamed Lake Unnamed Lake and Lake L3 outlet 930-8652-100 ARL RJF JRF Y N 2 23 23 96/09/08 92L.053 G96/10/06 Unnamed Lake Lake L3 930-8652-100 ARL RJF JRF N N 3 18 17a 96/09/11 92L.053 G

96/10/06 Unnamed Lake Lake L3 930-8652-100 ARL RJF JRF N N 3 19 18a 96/09/11 92L.053 G



96/10/06 Unnamed Lake Lake L3 930-8652-100 ARL RJF JRF N N 3 23 22a 96/09/11 92L.053 G96/10/06 Unnamed Lake Lake L3 930-8652-100 ARL RJF JRF N N 3 23 23a 96/09/11 92L.053 G

96/10/06 Unnamed Lake Lake L3 930-8652-100 ARL RJF JRF N N 3 24 24a 96/09/11 92L.053 G96/10/06 Unnamed Creek Creek L3-T2 930-8652-100-653 ARL RJF JRF N N 3 25 25a 96/09/11 1 1 92L.053 M96/10/06 Unnamed Creek Creek L3-T1 930-8652-100-663 ARL RJF JRF N Y 4 3 3 96/09/11 1 1 92L.053 M



Appendix C: Photograph documentation, equipment details, August-October 1996

Survey start date: 17-Aug-96Survey end date: 14-Oct-96

Camera #1Make & Model: Pentax PC-700Format: 135 mm film

Camera #2Make & Model: Pentax SpotmaticFormat: 135 mm filmLens: 1:1.4/50

Roll # Camera Outputmedium

Film type ISO

T1 1 neg colour 400T2 1 neg colour 400T3 1 neg colour 400T4 1 neg colour 400T5 1 neg colour 400T6 1 neg colour 400T7 1 neg colour 400T8 1 neg colour 400R1 2 neg colour 400R2 2 neg colour 400R3 2 neg colour 400R4 2 neg colour 400R5 2 neg colour 4001 1 neg colour 4002 1 neg colour 4003 1 neg colour 4004 1 neg colour 4005 1 neg colour 4006 1 neg colour 400



APPENDIX D

LAKE OUTLINE MAP



APPENDIX E

AIR PHOTO



APPENDIX F

WATERSHED CODE SUMMARY

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