Should the Mountain Sucker Fish Be Protected in Alberta's Milk River?
Official title: Recovery Strategy for the Mountain Sucker (Catostomus platyrhynchus), Milk River populations, in Canada
The federal government wants to protect a small fish called the Mountain Sucker that lives only in Alberta's Milk River. This recovery strategy would identify critical habitat and set out steps to help the species survive. Scientists say recovery is possible, but the fish faces threats from water management and habitat changes.
Why This Matters
Live near the Milk River in southern Alberta? This could affect water use and land development in the area. Farmers and ranchers may face new rules about how they use water. Even if you don't live nearby, protecting endangered species helps maintain healthy ecosystems that benefit everyone.
What Could Change
If approved, the Milk River and surrounding areas could be designated as critical habitat under the Species at Risk Act. That means new restrictions on activities that could harm the fish or its habitat. Water withdrawals, construction projects, and agricultural practices near the river may need federal review.
Key Issues
- Is the proposed recovery strategy adequate to protect the Mountain Sucker?
- What areas should be designated as critical habitat for this species?
- What actions are needed to help the species recover?
How to Participate
- Review the recovery strategy document to understand the proposed protections for the Mountain Sucker.
- Send your comments by email to sara_lep@dfo-mpo.gc.ca by the deadline.