The Role of Biodegradable Erosion Control Blankets and Straw Wattles in Protecting Fish and Fish Habitat

Canada’s waterways host diverse fish species that depend on clean, stable habitats. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) outlines several measures to protect fish and their habitat under the Fisheries Act, particularly by preventing Harmful Alteration, Disruption, or Destruction (HADD) of fish habitats. For projects near water, such as bridge maintenance or mineral exploration, implementing effective erosion control strategies is essential to protect the surrounding environment, especially fish habitats.

This is where BMP Supplies’ erosion control products, such as Biodegradable Erosion Control Blankets (BMP-BDNS, BMP-BDNSC, BMP-BDNC) and Biodegradable Straw Wattles (made from burlap), become highly relevant. These tools help address key measures outlined by the DFO for sediment control and habitat protection.

Erosion Control and Fish Habitat Protection

One of the critical threats to fish habitats during construction and land disturbance projects is sediment runoff. When soil is displaced, it can enter nearby water bodies, causing sedimentation that smothers fish eggs, reduces oxygen levels, and disrupts aquatic ecosystems. The Fisheries Act emphasizes maintaining riparian buffer zones, ensuring proper sediment control, and preventing sediment entry into watercourses to protect fish habitats.

Here’s how BMP Supplies’ products play a vital role in addressing these concerns:

1. Preventing Sediment from Entering Water Bodies

   Using biodegradable straw wattles along the banks of streams, rivers, or other bodies of water helps trap sediment, preventing it from washing into the watercourse. This aligns with DFO’s measures to ensure that erodible and exposed areas are stabilized, especially during projects near sensitive fish habitats. The wattles act as a natural barrier that can be placed along the high-water mark, stopping sediment from reaching the water and protecting fish from harmful alterations to their environment.
   

2. Stabilizing Erodible Areas

   Our erosion control blankets are essential for stabilizing exposed soil on slopes and embankments. By covering disturbed ground with biodegradable coconut or straw blankets, we help reduce soil erosion and prevent sediment from flowing into fish habitats. These blankets are particularly effective in areas where riparian vegetation has been cleared or disturbed, ensuring the ground remains stable until new vegetation can establish itself. This directly supports the DFO’s recommendation to maintain vegetated buffer zones around water bodies.
   

3. Supporting Vegetation Growth

   Establishing vegetation is crucial to long-term erosion control and habitat stability. Our erosion control blankets not only protect the soil but also retain moisture, creating ideal conditions for seed germination. This is particularly beneficial near fish habitats, as healthy vegetation stabilizes the soil, preventing further erosion and reducing sediment entering the water. The biodegradation process of these blankets releases nutrients into the soil, supporting new plant growth that can continue to protect the environment long after the blanket has degraded.
   

4. Biodegradability and Environmental Safety
   

   DFO guidelines emphasize using biodegradable materials whenever possible. Our erosion control products, like biodegradable straw wattles made from burlap and coconut fiber blankets, naturally break down over time, leaving no harmful residues in the environment. This ensures that the erosion control measures we implement do not introduce deleterious substances into the ecosystem, complying with the DFO’s mandate to prevent their entry into the water.
   

5. Protecting Fish During Sensitive Periods

   Fish are especially vulnerable during certain times of the year, such as spawning or migration periods. The timing windows for projects around water are critical to avoid disrupting these activities. By using erosion control blankets and wattles, we minimize disruptions to fish habitats during construction activities, allowing water clarity and flow to remain unaffected. This aligns with DFO’s focus on planning projects to respect fish life cycles and protect their habitat.
   

Consulting Qualified Environmental Professionals (QEPs)

Incorporating BMP Supplies’ biodegradable erosion control blankets and straw wattles into your project not only helps protect fish habitats but also ensures compliance with HADD and other DFO guidelines. It’s essential to consult Qualified Environmental Professionals (QEPs) during pre-construction planning, monitoring during construction, and post-construction environmental monitoring. Their expertise is vital to ensuring all measures are implemented effectively, helping to protect fish and their habitats.

Conclusion

Implementing effective erosion control measures with BMP Supplies’ biodegradable blankets and wattles is not just about meeting regulatory requirements—it’s about ensuring the long-term protection of fish habitats and maintaining the health of Canada’s ecosystems. By incorporating these products into your project and working with QEPs, you can confidently meet the measures set out by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans to protect fish and fish habitats while stabilizing the land, promoting vegetation growth, and safeguarding the surrounding environment.