Eastslope sculpin COSEWIC assessment and status report: chapter 11
Existing Protection or Other Status Designations
The “Eastslope” sculpin has not been previously assessed by COSEWIC (Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada), but was approved for listing as Threatened in June 2004 in Alberta. It is not currently listed under Alberta’s Wildlife Act; however, promulgation of the necessary regulation is underway (S. Cotterill, Alberta Sustainable Resource Development, Edmonton, AB, personal communication 2005). The “mottled” sculpin (C. bairdii) is provincially ranked as Not Assessed (Alberta Sustainable Resource Development 2001). The Alberta Natural Heritage Information Centre tracks provincial and global rankings. Provincially, the “Eastslope” sculpin is ranked as “S1” (as of April 2000) (ANHIC 2002b).
In view of its extremely limited distribution in Alberta, a provincial management plan was developed by Paetz (1993) to aid in protecting existing populations. More recently, the Fish and Wildlife Division of Alberta Sustainable Resource Development commissioned surveys in the Milk River (2000 to 2002) to help determine the status of several non-game fish species, including the “Eastslope” sculpin, and to provide recommendations with regards to protection (see R.L. & L. 2002; P&E 2002).
The Department of Fisheries and Oceans, along with representation from Alberta Sustainable Resource Development, Alberta Environment, an environmental NGO, two ranchers/irrigation associations, and one member from the regional counties/towns, has established a recovery team to develop a recovery strategy for the western silvery minnow (Hybognathus argyritis), which is on Schedule 1 of SARA. Due to provincial recommendations for listing, this recovery strategy has been expanded to incorporate a watershed-based approach, and includes “Eastslope” sculpin and stonecat (Noturus flavus) in the Milk River. This strategy will be expanded to the St. Mary River if required.
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