A great deal of work has gone into establishing the foundational science which is now being used to develop Y2Y’s Aquatic Conservation Strategy. Research commissioned by Y2Y has resulted in major technical reports on the health of the upper Bow River system, and on the fishes of the region. Technical Report #3, Fishes of Yellowstone to Yukon Region, is the most comprehensive Y2Y-scale report produced to date.

While all questions about the best way to deal with complicated issues have not been answered, experts in fisheries and watershed science have suggested a watershed-based approach that focuses on certain key indicator fish species, such as the native westslope cutthroat and bull trout. Technical Report #7, Improving the Ecological Function of the Upper Bow, revealed that westslope cutthroat trout and bull trout, two native fish species considered to be good measures of river health, are missing from most of the main stems of the Bow and its tributaries, the Kananaskis, Spray, and Cascade Rivers in Alberta. Some of the major issues facing fish and watersheds throughout the region include dams, roads, invasive species, and pollution. Dams and roads seriously impact stream connectivity for fish, which can have a detrimental affect on spawning success. To raise awareness of the importance of improving the aquatic integrity of the Upper Bow River, Y2Y has created an informative brochure based on our research. 

Efforts will continue to synthesize existing data while identifying research needs, issues, and opportunities. We will also look at the capacity of existing organizations to address key issues, and identify areas where interests overlap. Initial on-the-ground efforts will likely focus on these areas of shared interest, in order to make the best use of resources at local, regional, and continental scales.

Even as the Aquatic Conservation Strategy is being developed, Y2Y will continue to support efforts by numerous groups currently working to restore healthy populations of declining species.