Pygmy Whitefish Recovery Plan - What Albertans Said

Official title: Pygmy whitefish recovery plan engagement

Closed Policy & Studies Environment & Climate Natural Resources
Alberta asked for public input on protecting pygmy whitefish, a threatened species found only in Waterton Lake and a stretch of the Athabasca River. The consultation ran in 2018 and received 15 responses. The recovery plan aims to maintain existing populations and reduce risks from accidental spills along the Yellowhead transportation corridor.

Why This Matters

This fish exists in only two spots in Alberta. A single spill along the Yellowhead Highway could wipe out half the population. If you care about protecting Alberta's unique wildlife, this plan shaped how the province responds to that risk.

What Could Change

The recovery plan sets out actions to protect pygmy whitefish habitat and reduce spill risks along the Athabasca River corridor. It was sent to the Minister of Environment and Parks for approval in 2018.

Key Issues

  • How to maintain existing pygmy whitefish populations in Waterton Lake and the Athabasca River
  • How to reduce the risk of population loss from accidental spills along the Yellowhead corridor

How to Participate

  1. Review the draft Pygmy Whitefish Recovery Plan to understand the proposed conservation measures.
  2. Read the summary of public response to see what Albertans said during the consultation.

What Happened

The consultation ran from May 31 to July 2, 2018. The survey was visited 91 times and completed by 15 respondents. Following the consultation, the Pygmy Whitefish Recovery Plan was presented to the Endangered Species Conservation Committee and sent to the Minister of Environment and Parks for approval.