About AAQWA

AAQWA wants everyone to know that Hotel Lake is currently in an extremely delicate balance. Understanding the basic science is essential for its survival.

To complicate this balance Irvines Landing Resort is undertaking a large development that could impact Hotel Lake. Also, Daniel Point final phase is almost completed. Pender Harbour Landing Estates may impact as well.

Please follow these links for more information on the science and legalities of this lake.

Lake depth map of Hotel Lake
Lake Statistics
Morphometric Data
SCRD Pumping Records
Summit Environmental Consultants review

FISH KILLS STILL A MYSTERY - BIOLOGIST QUESTIONS OFFICIAL REPORT
Dr. John Field, responding to concerns from AAQWA residents on Hotel Lake who reported two separate fish kills to Environment Canada and BC Conservation officers in both May and June conducted his own on-site investigations to collect specimens.

Environment Canada's findings*, attributed the die-off to the natural lifecycle. However, in a report to U.B.C researchers, Dr. Field outlines his own observations that "The dead included males in spawning coloration, gravid females, spent females and smaller fish down to about 30 mm".

On his first visit Dr. Field estimated the mortality "density of about 3-4 fish per lineal meter of shoreline" on Hotel Lake Road. After the second incident, on June 26th a further site visit confirmed "dead stickleback along all shorelines except in the vicinity of the water intake" and local reports that some dead pea-mouth chubb and trout were observed.

The UBC researchers have been asked whether there is any indication in the life history of the stickleback that might suggest a seasonal die-off of this magnitude. Other queries relate to the high temperature of the lake which warmed earlier than usual in May and/or the affect of low oxygen levels in beds of aquatic plants at night.

AAQWA in anxious to have answers to these questions which may provide a valuable indication of the state of health of Hotel Lake itself but, for now, the Fish Kills of '04 remain a mystery.