Decline in Credit River Brook Trout Distribution
Maps of Brook Trout Distribution in the Credit River Watershed show a dramatic decline in Brook Trout habitat and population over time.
Why Are Brook Trout Important
Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) are the native cold water char in Eastern North America. Survival relies on temperatures below 20°C and pristine water quality. Brook Trout are in decline due to urbanization, over harvest, water pollution, climate change, invasive species, groundwater extraction, dam construction, habitat fragmentation and degradation.