Atlantic whitefish

Atlantic whitefish (Coregonus huntsmani) are globally endangered, found only in Milipsigate, Minamkeak, and Hebb Lakes in the Petite Rivière Watershed in Lunenburg County. Historically, the species was additionally found in the Tusket River Watershed in Yarmouth County but is now extirpated from that system. 
Both natural and human-induced pressures and threats have contributed to the decline and continued low abundance of the species. These include habitat degradation, barriers to fish passage, and the introduction of non-native species, smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) and chain pickerel (Esox niger). ​
An Atlantic whitefish in the rotary screw trap holding box (December 2018). The first live adult Atlantic whitefish observed in the wild since 2014.
For more information, contact amy@coastalaction.org

the project

Coastal Action initiated the Atlantic Whitefish Recovery Project (AWRP) in April 2004 in partnership with the Atlantic Whitefish Conservation and Recovery Team (AWC&RT). The long-term goals of the project are to stabilize the current population of the Atlantic whitefish, restore the anadromous nature of the fish, and expand their current range. The project began with a focus on raising public awareness of this species, as well as attempting to build a strong stewardship foundation in the community. It has since expanded to include direct recovery actions such as invasive species management, habitat monitoring and restoration, and capturing larval fish in the wild as part of a breeding program at Dalhousie University. ​

Species Facts

  • The Atlantic whitefish was declared endangered by COSEWIC (Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada) in 1984 and is protected under the federal Species at Risk Act (SARA), the Maritime Provinces Fishery Regulations, and the Nova Scotia Endangered Species Act. 
  • Over-fishing, acidification of aquatic habitat, inadequate fish passage, and the illegal introduction of non-native fish species are believed to have contributed to the loss of this species on the Tusket River in Yarmouth County. 
  • The Atlantic Whitefish Conservation and Recovery Team (AWC&RT), established in 1999, consisted of DFO, Nova Scotia’s Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, and Department of Natural Resources, as well as many other partners. The AWC&RT invited Coastal Action to become an active member of the committee in 2003. ​
What You Can Do
  • Learn to distinguish Atlantic whitefish from lake whitefish (see publications below). 
  • Carefully release accidentally caught Atlantic whitefish immediately and report directly to Fisheries and Oceans Canada.  
  • Help stop the introduction of invasive species. It is illegal to move fish from one body of water to another. Anglers should ideally never use live bait.  
  • Spread awareness about the Atlantic whitefish in your community. ​