The copper redhorse is a species of Catostomidae that is endemic to southwestern Quebec (it is found only in this part of the world). Only part of the St. Lawrence River and its tributaries, including the Rivière Saint-François, are home to this species. It has been designated as threatened by the Quebec government since 1999, mainly due to habitat degradation and fragmentation, water contamination by pollutants, and the presence of invasive exotic species (tench, round goby, etc.). Many other factors contribute to its precarious existence, including accidental capture by sport fishermen.
To learn more about the spring distribution of this species, the Ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs is currently using a fast-growing scientific method: environmental DNA. In short, all animals leave fragments of their DNA in their living environment at one time or another (e.g. reproductive cells, droppings, carcasses). By collecting water at specific times and places, these samples can then be analyzed in the laboratory to determine whether or not the DNA of a desired species is present in the sample.
The Odanak Land and Environment Office is involved in collecting water samples for this project, right across the street from the community.
