Copy of Lakes & Rivers

Background

With over two million lakes and rivers and 20 per cent of the world’s freshwater, Canada has an incredible abundance of aquatic natural resources. Canadians share a deep historical connection to freshwater; we rely on it for transportation, for resources, for employment, for food and for recreation – swimming, boating, fishing or simply admiring the scenery of a natural lake or wild river.

Unfortunately, many of Canada’s freshwaters are no longer the pristine ecosystems they once were. At CWF, we are working to encourage a better balance between the needs of our society and of the ecosystems that sustain us.

Freshwater Turtles

From ground surveys to highway hotspots to releasing rescued turtles, the Canadian Wildlife Federation works with regional partners, community groups, lake associations and individuals to reduce risks to Canada's freshwater turtles.

American Eel

The Canadian Wildlife Federation is using research and advocacy to learn more about American Eel behaviour, to develop mitigation options for the species, and to increase support for protecting and recovering the species.

River Barriers

Some of our treasured aquatic wildlife are being stopped dead in their tracks en route their migratory path. Dams, culverts, levees and road crossings have been creating barriers for wildlife species for decades. We at the Canadian Wildlife Federation think that’s a problem for Canada’s critters and we know these barriers need to be addressed.

Aquatic Habitat Canada

Aquatic Habitat Canada is a national network focused on helping governments, local communities, Indigenous organizations, industry stakeholders and conservation organizations to more effectively protect and restore healthy and resilient aquatic ecosystems.

Bioblitz

With the help of Canadians like you, we hope to catalogue as much of Canada as possible so that we can make informed decisions about our land use, environmental policies and wildlife.

Plastics in Our Waters

Plastic has become such an ordinary material used in our country that it’s becoming harder and harder to avoid the substance. And yet, this material is piling up in our landfills and sometimes ends up in our rivers and oceans where it can cause major damage to the habitat and wildlife that live there.

Rivers to Oceans Week

Rivers to Oceans Week, celebrated from June 8 to 14, recognizes this connectedness and reminds us that taking care of our water is a shared responsibility. Rivers to Oceans Week reminds us that safeguarding the health of all water — local springs, creeks, streams, lakes, rivers, wetlands and even groundwater — flowing through our watersheds also improves the quality of Canada’s oceans.