EVALUATING HABITAT AND HABITAT USE BY AMERICAN EEL (ANGUILLA ROSTATA)/KATEW IN THE BRAS D’OR LAKE /PITU’PAQ ESTUARY USING BENTHOSCAPE MAPS AND ACOUSTIC TELEMETRY

Abstract

The American eel/Katew is a culturally significant and endangered species that has faced population declines on a global scale. The Bras d’Or Lake (BdOL)/Pitu’paq, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, offers a unique environment for eel, yet habitat information for this species in the BdOL is limited. American eels are primarily a benthic species and habitat information is required to identify risks to the population. Using a Two-Eyed Seeing/Etuaptmumk approach, this study developed a benthic habitat map of the BdOL using multibeam echosounder survey bathymetry and backscatter data, relying on both existing data and through collection of new data. Acoustic telemetry was paired with local and Mi’kmaw knowledge to overlay eel presence and habitat across seasons. Eels used vegetated habitats in summer and overwintered on Shallow Silt/Mud habitat (≤ 50 m). Using results from this study, co-management recommendations can be developed to provide stewardship of eel and eel habitat in this region.