A fisherman from Nova Scotia who frequents the Minas Basin asserts that he regularly witnesses the detrimental impact that defective culverts have on fish. According to Darren Porter, some instances result in fatal consequences. Porter, who is both a commercial fisherman and an environmental advocate, highlights a specific location at the Halfway River near Hantsport, N.S., where fish are forcefully propelled through culverts by strong currents during high tides, causing severe injuries and potential fatalities.
Photographic evidence captured by Porter reveals deep wounds, hemorrhaging, and even internal organ prolapse in affected fish. The issue of faulty culverts is widespread, with habitat biologist Thomas Sweeney noting that approximately 50 to 60 percent of the 31,000 water crossings in Nova Scotia pose challenges for fish passage. A recent report by Fisheries and Oceans Canada in 2023 found that between 45 and 57 percent of culverts in four major Nova Scotia watersheds act as obstacles to fish migration.
Sweeney emphasizes that these barriers pose a significant threat to fish populations, particularly migratory species like salmon. Common problems with culverts include damage, blockages from debris, and poor design, either impeding water flow or creating excessive water velocity. Porter advocates for stricter enforcement of the Fisheries Act, especially Section 35, which prohibits the destruction of fish habitats and carries penalties such as fines and imprisonment for violations.
Culvert owners, including government agencies, municipalities, industries, and private landholders, are urged to take responsibility for the impact of faulty culverts on fish populations. Despite this, the Nova Scotia Department of Public Works, a major culvert owner in the province, does not systematically track the negative effects on fish passage. Porter calls for increased enforcement measures to address the issue promptly and effectively.
When culvert obstructions are identified, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) can issue directives to owners for corrective actions within specified timelines. While voluntary compliance is preferred, enforcement actions and charges can be pursued if necessary. However, DFO’s current data systems do not specifically track violations related to culverts over the past decade.
Advocates like Sweeney propose improved tracking mechanisms to better address the culvert issue and allocate resources efficiently. They suggest community engagement through programs like adopt-a-stream initiatives, which empower individuals to assess culverts and contribute data to a centralized database. This approach aims to tackle the problem incrementally, focusing on specific watersheds and tributaries to make meaningful progress in preserving fish habitats.
