While the Cultus Lake Project is a diver directed fish and habitat study, we are governed by, and comply with, the General Prohibitions and conservation strategies set forth by SARA (Species at Risk act) and the DFO (Department of Fisheries and Oceans). Our methodology for this project is primarily based upon observation of the species and it's habitat without attempts to capture, harm or harassment.
Before each dive, new participants will be educated as to the practical application of the above approach to non invasive observation and will be reminded to maintain good horizontal trim and fin control near the bottom. Because the spawning behavior of the Pygmy Sculpin is still unknown, care is also exercised not to disturb any sub-littoral structures that may serve as den sites, particularly during the anticipated spawning season.
Below are two sections of the SARA act that all project participants are educated about, and reminded to be aware of, when diving Cultus Lake. Members are encouraged to familiarize themselves with these and other relevant regulations:
32. (1) No person shall kill, harm, harass, capture or take an individual of a wildlife species that is listed as an extirpated species, an endangered species or a threatened species.
33. No person shall damage or destroy the residence of one or more individuals of a wildlife species that is listed as an endangered species or a threatened species, or that is listed as an extirpated species if a recovery strategy has recommended the reintroduction of the species into the wild in Canada.
The full text of the general Prohibitions can be found here: SARA Act
Before each dive, new participants will be educated as to the practical application of the above approach to non invasive observation and will be reminded to maintain good horizontal trim and fin control near the bottom. Because the spawning behavior of the Pygmy Sculpin is still unknown, care is also exercised not to disturb any sub-littoral structures that may serve as den sites, particularly during the anticipated spawning season.
Below are two sections of the SARA act that all project participants are educated about, and reminded to be aware of, when diving Cultus Lake. Members are encouraged to familiarize themselves with these and other relevant regulations:
32. (1) No person shall kill, harm, harass, capture or take an individual of a wildlife species that is listed as an extirpated species, an endangered species or a threatened species.
33. No person shall damage or destroy the residence of one or more individuals of a wildlife species that is listed as an endangered species or a threatened species, or that is listed as an extirpated species if a recovery strategy has recommended the reintroduction of the species into the wild in Canada.
The full text of the general Prohibitions can be found here: SARA Act
