Four challenges remain to remove Bay of Quinte from area of concern list

Three water quality challenges identified for the Bay of Quinte have received official confirmation from the federal and provincial governments of a status change and can now be considered restored.

The Bay of Quinte Remedial Action Plan Restoration Council announced Tuesday the challenges are fish and wildlife populations and habitat and underwater bugs.

“This means five of an original 11 water quality challenges have been deemed restored,” said Terry Murphy, General Manager of Quinte Conservation and Co-chair of the BQRAP Restoration Council. “Additionally, two other challenges have met their scientific criteria and have started the re-designation process. This leaves four challenges, which are close to meeting their scientific criteria and starting the process as well.”

After all eleven water quality challenges have been formally declared restored, the Bay of Quinte can be removed from the Great Lakes Area of Concern list.

“Today, the Bay of Quinte is a healthy and vibrant ecosystem, well-known for its world-class walleye and bass fishery,” said Murphy. “Reaching this milestone in rehabilitating the bay, is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our federal, provincial, and municipal partners, as well as, industry, agriculture, the public and local conservation authorities.”

Glenda Rodgers, CAO of Lower Trent Conservation and co-chair of the BQRAP Restoration Council says these are exciting times.

“After several decades of rehabilitating the Bay we are starting to change the status of a number of the water quality challenges. Now, it is important to ensure strategies are in place, so the Bay doesn’t backslide to conditions that required a remedial action plan in the first place,” she said.

The bay, BQRAP notes in a media release, is a huge economic driver for the area and the source of drinking water for thousands of area residents.

“As the RAP starts to wind down, the process of ensuring water quality does not backslide will need to take on a more local focus.

“Everyone has a role to play in maintaining the Bay’s water quality. Whether it’s implementing stewardship projects to improve water quality, advocating for water quality issues, volunteering as a citizen scientist, or talking to your local politicians and municipalities about actions to keep the Bay a healthy and vibrant ecosystem. Maintaining water quality is everyone’s responsibility.”

The final reports and supporting information can be found on the BQRAP web site – www.bqrap.ca

The Bay of Quinte Remedial Action Plan is in partnership locally with Lower Trent Conservation and Quinte Conservation