Freshwater ecosystem

Kouchibouguac National Park features significant freshwater ecosystems, which includes rivers and ponds that play important roles in the park’s overall landscape. Many species found here add to the park’s biodiversity.

The Blue Flag (Iris versicolor) is notable for its colourful flowers along the water's edge. The Broad-leaved Cattail (Typha latifolia), with its tall spikes, is commonly found along shorelines, contributing to the structure of the aquatic environment. The Red Maple (Acer rubrum) is also present, its colourful leaves reflecting on the water's surface.

Species such as the River Otter (Lontra canadensis) can be found here, moving through the waterways and serving as an important predator in this ecosystem. The Green Frog (Lithobates clamitans) is known for its distinctive calls, adding to the area's natural sounds. The Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) is another inhabitant, playing a role in the freshwater ecosystem's health and diversity.

The freshwater ecosystem in Kouchibouguac National Park faces challenges from invasive species, notably the non-native subspecies of the Common Reed (Phragmites australis subsp. australis). This invasive subspecies can overtake native plants, including its less aggressive counterpart, the native subspecies (Phragmites australis subsp. americanus), reducing the diversity of both plant and animal life. Active management and control of the non-native Common Reed are essential for preserving the ecosystem's health and supporting the survival of the native subspecies.

Moreover, certain species at risk within this ecosystem need targeted conservation efforts. The Wood Turtle (Glyptemys insculpta), which resides along riverbanks and in wetlands, and the American Eel (Anguilla rostrata), found in freshwater streams, both face environmental threats that have placed them at risk. Protective measures are critical to support their survival.

Parks Canada has made considerable efforts to support the Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar), a species integral to Kouchibouguac National Park's complex ecosystem. Although the sub-population of Atlantic Salmon in the park is not yet considered threatened under the Species at Risk Act, proactive conservation efforts are essential. These actions, especially in the face of challenges posed by invasive species, underscore the importance of ongoing initiatives to preserve the unique biodiversity and the well-being of the park's freshwater environments.