Turtle Interim Status Report

Transcription

1 Turtle Interim Status Report Secondary Data Review of the Massena/Akwesasne St. Lawrence River Area of Concern (AOC) USEPA GLRI Project ID: GL Prepared by: Lee H. Harper Glenn Johnson Riveredge Associates and Jessica L. Jock Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe Environment Division January 2013, Revised Final June 2014

2 Suggested citation: Harper L.H., G. Johnson, and J.L. Jock. June Turtle interim status report: secondary data review of the Massena/Akwesasne St. Lawrence River Area of Concern (AOC). GL pp 2

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS... 3 LIST OF TABLES... 4 LIST OF FIGURES... 4 LIST OF PHOTOS INTRODUCTION BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES TURTLES EXISTING DATA REVIEW METHODS INVESTIGATION AREA TYPE OF EXISTING DATA NEEDED SOURCES OF EXISTING DATA EVALUATION APPROACH TO EXISTING DATA RESULTS AND DISCUSSION GENERAL HABITAT REQUIREMENTS OF TURTLES BY SPECIES DATA FOR TURTLE POPULATIONS AND HABITAT DATA RELATED TO CONTAMINANTS, HATCHING, AND DEFORMITIES QUALITY CONTROL DATA GAPS LITERATURE CITED

4 LIST OF TABLES Table 1. AOC Beneficial Use Impairments... 8 Table 2. Turtle species of the AOC and their status Table 3. Types of existing data needed Table 4. Evaluation criteria for existing data Table 5. Summary of literature for snapping turtle eggs in and near the AOC Table 6. Snapping turtle egg collection sites in and near the AOC Table 7. Quality review of contaminant data LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1. Map of Massena/Akwesasne AOC Figure 2. Locations of turtles in and near the AOC Figure 3. Collection sites of snapping turtle tissue and egg clutches LIST OF PHOTOS Photo 1. Blanding's turtle, a New York State listed-threatened species Photo 2. Snapping turtle, often used in contaminant studies Photo 3. Blanding's turtle with its characteristic yellow throat Photo 4. Northern map turtle Photo 5. Painted turtle Photo 6. Wood turtle Photo 7. Stinkpot Photo 8. Snapping turtle

5 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background and Objectives The international section of the St. Lawrence River was identified as one of five Bi- National Areas of Concern (AOC) by the International Joint Commission (IJC) under the 1987 amended Great Lakes Water Quality Act (GLWQA). The study area of interest under this Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) funded project (GL ) are the upstream and southern portion of the Bi-National St. Lawrence River Area of Concern (AOC), primarily located in St. Lawrence County and the Mohawk Territory of Akwesasne (also called Massena/Akwesasne AOC). The Massena/Akwesasne AOC includes the Grasse ( ), Raquette ( ), and St. Regis ( ) tributaries, Power Canal on the Grasse River, and portions of the St. Lawrence River itself. The AOC was identified due to discharge of hazardous industrial byproducts to nearby tributaries, land, and the St. Lawrence River. Turtle populations may have been impacted by persistent organochlorine chemicals (POCs) such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), mercury, dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE), or other compounds released through discharges. Several efforts have occurred to remove contamination sources and improve water and sediment quality in and around the AOC between , but sources of contaminated sediments are still present in areas such as the Grasse River. The Grasse River will be remediated in accordance with the Record of Decision (ROD) of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). Remediation activities are expected to start in 2015 (USEPA 2013). The purpose of this project is to gather and/or use existing data to evaluate the Restrictions on Fish and Wildlife Consumption, Degradation of Fish and Wildlife Populations, Bird/Animal Deformities or Reproductive Problems, and Loss of Fish and Wildlife Habitat Beneficial Use Impairments (BUI) specific to turtles in the St. Lawrence River Area of Concern (AOC) (also called Massena/Akwesasne AOC) (Table 1). 5

6 Delisting Criteria established for the AOC include documentation that restrictions on fish and wildlife consumption in the AOC due to watershed or in-place contaminants are absent. No public health advisories are in effect for human consumption that are due to watershed or AOC specific sources, and contaminant levels created by anthropogenic chemicals due to watershed or in-place contaminants do not exceed current standards, objectives, or guidelines in resident fish and wildlife. The current status of this BUI is Impaired, with no specific survey conducted to date to compare tissue concentrations of turtles for consumption, inside and outside the AOC. Criteria established for fish and wildlife populations include healthy and reproducing populations and a community structure that does not significantly diverge from unimpacted sites that would be expected from the amount of quality of suitable physical, chemical, and biological habitat characteristics. The current status of this BUI is Unknown/Needs Further Assessment, with no surveys conducted to date to compare populations of turtles inside and outside the AOC. Criteria for deformities include documentation that wetlands support healthy communities of significant species with no reported deformities (some exceptions apply), and incidence rates of deformities or other reproductive problems in sentinel wildlife species do not exceed background levels of inland control populations. The current status of this BUI is Unknown/Needs Further Assessment, with no survey conducted to date to compare reproductive problems and deformities of turtles, inside and outside AOC. Criteria for loss of fish and wildlife habitat include documentation that amounts and quality of physical, chemical, and biological habitat (including wetlands, riparian and submerged aquatic vegetation, and buffers) are adequate for fish and wildlife management goals. The current status of this BUI is Impaired, with no surveys to date to compare turtle habitat inside and outside AOC. Literature and field data will be gathered to address the four specific objectives of this project as they relate to turtles. These four specific objectives are: Objective 1: Objective 2: Determine the chemical burden inside and outside the AOC Determine if healthy, self-sustaining populations are present inside and outside the AOC 6

7 Objective 3: Objective 4: Determine rate of deformities and hatching success inside and outside the AOC Determine the extent and suitability of appropriate habitat inside and outside the AOC In 2013, field work will be conducted to investigate habitat, populations, reproduction and contaminants in turtles. This interim status report details the findings of existing data searches for information related to turtles in and near the Massena/Akwesasne AOC. 7

8 Table 1. St. Lawrence River, Massena/Akwesasne AOC Beneficial Use Impairments, Status and Delisting Criteria for Fish and Wildlife. Beneficial Use Impairment Degradation of Fish and Wildlife Populations Bird/Animal Deformities or Reproductive Problems Loss of Fish and Wildlife Habitat Restriction on Fish and Wildlife Consumption Status Unknown, Needs Further Assessment Unknown, Needs Further Assessment Impaired Impaired Delisting Criteria Environmental conditions support healthy, self-sustaining communities of desired fish and wildlife at predetermined levels of abundance that would be expected from the amount and quality of suitable physical, chemical, and biological habitat present; AND Fish populations meet applicable Index of Biological Integrity (IBI) and wildlife populations have healthy reproducing populations of eagle, mink, otter, or other species. Wetlands support healthy communities of significant species and no reports of deformities from wildlife officials. Exceptions may apply to limited background effects; AND Incidence rates, if present, of deformities (e.g. cross-bill syndrome) or other reproductive problems (e.g. egg-shell thinning) in wildlife species do not exceed background levels of inland control populations. Amounts and quality of physical, chemical, and biological habitat (including wetlands, riparian and submerged aquatic vegetation, and buffers) are adequate for fish and wildlife management goals (achieved and protected); AND Experts do not identify habitat loss as a cause for nonattainment of Fish and Wildlife management goals. Restrictions on fish and wildlife consumption in the AOC due to watershed or in-place contaminants are absent. No public health advisories are in effect for human consumption that are due to watershed or AOC specific sources; AND Contaminant levels created by anthropogenic chemicals due to watershed or in-place contaminants do not exceed current standards, objectives, or guidelines in resident fish and wildlife; AND Any remaining restrictions on fish and wildlife consumption are due to upstream or downstream source that are addressed by other management plans such as Lakewide Management Plans (LaMPs). 8

9 1.2 Turtles There are six species of turtles known to occur within and near the Massena/Akwesasne AOC (Gibbs et al. 2007, Johnson 2012, G. Johnson, per. obs., James Costello, SMRTED Environment Division, pers. comm.) (Table 2). As across much of the northeastern US and eastern Canada, the most common of these are the painted turtle (Chrysemys picta) and the common snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina) (Ernst and Lovich 2009), however estimates of abundance are largely lacking from the AOC. The remaining species include the common map turtle (Graptemys geographica), wood turtle (Glyptemys insculpta), Blanding s turtle (Emydoidea blandingii), and eastern musk turtle or stinkpot (Sternotherus odoratus) and little is known about any of their population parameters within the AOC. All of these turtles are known to occur within 15 miles of the AOC as well (Johnson and Crockett 2009, Johnson 2012, J. Costello, SMRTED Environment Division, pers. comm.). Two other turtles, spiny softshell turtle (Apalone spinifera) and spotted turtle (Clemmys guttata), are included in Table 2 but are not known to currently occur within 15 miles of the AOC. Blanding's turtle, a New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) listed threatened species (Photo 1), has been the subject of several survey and conservation projects in the region (detailed below), and snapping turtles have been the subject of several investigations into contaminant burdens in wildlife (Photo 2) (also detailed below). The Committee on the Status of Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) listed the snapping turtle as Special Concern (SC) in 2008 due to its life history traits and dependence on long warm summers which make it unusually susceptible to anthropogenic threats (COSEWIC 2008). Blanding's turtles and snapping turtles are also the subject of an SRMT management plan (Costello 2011) and snapping turtle health advisories recommending limited consumption have been issued by both New York State (NYSDOH 2014 available at me.htm) and by SRMT. The current recommendation by NYSDOH is that women of childbearing age, infants and children under the age of 15 should avoid eating snapping turtles or soups made with their meat. The recommendation of the draft SRMT Game Advisory recommends that no turtles be eaten. 9

10 Table 2. Turtle species potentially occurring in and near the AOC (NEPARC, 2010) and their conservation status. E=Endangered, T = Threatened, V= Vulnerable, SC = Special Concern, COSEWIC = Committee and the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada Scientific Name Chelydra serpentina Emydoidea blandingii Chrysemys picta Glyptemys insculpta Graptemys geographica Sternotherus odoratus Clemmys guttata Apalone spinifera Common Name Snapping turtle Blanding's turtle Painted turtle Wood turtle Northern map turtle Eastern musk turtle or Stinkpot Spotted turtle Spiny softshell turtle New York Status Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) in New York? COSEWIC Ontario Status Y SC SC Quebec Status 1 T Y T T E SC Y T E Y SC SC V Y T T E SC Y E E SC SC Y T T E 1 Quebec status provided by the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne (MCA 2013) 10

11 Photo 1. Blanding's turtle, a New York State-listed threatened species Photo 2. Snapping turtle, often used in contaminant studies 11

12 2.0 EXISTING DATA REVIEW METHODS 2.1 Investigation Area The Investigation Area for the existing data review included the Massena/Akwesasne AOC and wetlands, rivers, and other habitats within 15 miles of the AOC. Figure 1. Map of Massena/Akwesasne AOC. 12

13 2.2 Type of Existing Data Needed The existing data needed to address the objectives include locations of turtles, turtle habitat, turtle nests, and reproductive data and contaminant levels in snapping turtle eggs. The requirements relating to the type, age, and representativeness of data are described in the table below. Table 3. Types of existing data needed. Type of data Habitat personal experience, knowledge, or communication sightings, photos, road kills database records unpublished field notes gray literature (agency reports) previously published records Contaminant Data gray literature (agency reports) database records previously published records Age of data Geographical representation Temporal representation population, habitat, reproductive data: 20 years old or less contaminant data: all, regardless of age inside the AOC: all data outside the AOC: data within 15 miles of AOC boundary all 2.3 Sources of Existing Data Potential data sources included the databases, reports, and libraries of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe (SRMT) Environment Division, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Environment Canada (EC), Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS), Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (OMNR), recognized local experts, University researchers, and others with direct personal experience or expertise in 13

14 and adjacent to the Massena/Akwesasne AOC. Of particular importance are the personal communications, unpublished field notes, and direct personal knowledge of habitats and species from local individuals and researchers. Because of the general paucity of data for the Massena/Akwesasne AOC, all data sources were considered. No hierarchy of data sources was proposed nor used. 2.4 Evaluation Approach to Existing Data All gathered existing data was evaluated for relevance and applicability to the stated data needs and objectives as outlined in the table below: Table 4. Evaluation criteria for existing data. Habitat, Population, and Reproductive Data Contaminant Data Of appropriate type Of appropriate age Of appropriate geographic representation Includes contaminants of interest to Massena/Akwesasne AOC (e.g. polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dioxins, furans, mercury, dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE), mirex, metals) Data were collected under an approved QAPP, Data Collection Plan (DCP) (under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act [CERCLA] of 1980, as amended), or other appropriate QA/QC program, and analyzed with appropriate standardized analytical methods. Riveredge's Data Collection Team collected all available data. Team Leader Lacey Conrad was responsible for database searches, data gathering, maintaining a complete list of literature cited in this document, and all other documentation and records management. She oversaw all recording, management, and GIS mapping of GPS locations of turtle locations, habitats, sampling sites, and other suitable data following the methodologies outlined in the existing data QAPP. All existing data collected was reviewed by the Team Leader prior to submission to Project Co- Manager Glenn Johnson for an additional QA/QC check. This interim status report was prepared 14

15 by Team Leader Conrad with additional contributions and QA/QC review by Project Co-Managers Johnson and Harper. For contaminant data, the project quality objective was to compile and analyze scientifically sound data on contaminant levels in turtles following the procedures detailed in the existing data QAPP. Contaminant data were accepted if the data acceptance criteria for each matrix and measurement (analytical) parameter were met. These acceptance criteria included appropriate precision (i.e. relative percent differences of field duplicates and laboratory duplicates), accuracy (relative percent difference of spiked control samples), comparability (conducted in accordance with USEPA Methods), and representative sampling (sampling SOPs used by trained personnel with appropriate training documentation). 15

16 3.1 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Existing data were gathered from published sources, unpublished sources, and through contacts with knowledgeable individuals. Available records were mapped in ArcGIS and appear in Figure 2 below. Available local data were largely for rare species in and upstream of the AOC (Figure 2) in New York from the database maintained by Dr. Glenn Johnson. This database and others, such as that maintained by the New York Natural Heritage Program, focus on rare species that are tracked by individual researchers and state and provincial agencies. Because common species such as snapping turtles and painted turtles are abundant and widespread, these species are not tracked in these databases. The database of Dr. Johnson includes northern New York and covers the AOC and the reference areas upstream of the AOC on the southern portion of the AOC in the United States. It is the most up to date and comprehensive database for this area, although it is not inclusive of all potential Canadian and or Mohawk reported turtle records. Other unpublished databases may exist for the adjacent areas of Ontario and Quebec, and the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne (MCA) Environment Division. 3.1 General Habitat Requirements of Turtles by Species Family Emydidae Blanding s Turtle Emydoidea blandingii Primary wetland habitats occupied by Blanding s turtle usually include productive, eutrophic inland and deep freshwater wetlands (Petokas 1986, Rowe 1987, Ross and Anderson 1990, Hamernick 2000, Congdon et al. 2008, Crockett 2008, Ernst and Lovich 2009, Edge et al. 2010, Millar and Blouin- Demers 2012), especially shrub swamps with alder, willow, cattail, and sedges, as well as emergent wetlands with shallow water composed of reeds, grasses, and cattail (Peipgras and Lang 2000), with a soft but firm organic bottom and abundant aquatic vegetation (Kofron and Schreiber 1985, Ernst and Lovich 2009). Specifically, Blanding s turtles use areas with the following characteristics (Kiviat 1997): 1) both shallow (30 cm) and deep (120 cm) pools connected by channels; 2) open or absent tree canopy; 3) tree species often along the wetland perimeter; 4) a dense cover of shrubs, particularly willow (Salix spp.) and buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis), with components of forbs and graminoids dispersed as hummocks and tussocks throughout the wetland; and, 5) coarse and fine organic debris. 16

17 In addition, high quality Blanding s turtle habitat consists of a habitat complex that provides all of the wetland and upland habitat types used during springtime, breeding, nesting, summer, and hibernation activities in close proximity to one another (Kiviat 1993). Springtime foraging and basking habitat consisting of deep, fluctuating pools represents crucial habitat for Blanding s turtles (Kiviat 1993). Blanding s are primarily carnivorous, consuming many insect species, fish, and invertebrates and some higher plants and algae (Ernst and Lovich 2009). Blanding s turtles nest in open upland areas and are known to utilize human-disturbed areas such as plowed fields, road side berms, active agricultural row crop fields, and sand and gravel pits for nesting (Linck et al. 1989, Johnson and Crockett 2009). Natural nesting sites have been observed in grasslands characterized by sandy loam or sandy soils (Ross and Anderson 1990) and areas with sparse herbaceous vegetation interspersed with bare mineral soil (Kiviat et al. 2000). In the vicinity of the AOC, Blanding s turtles are also known to nest in piles of topsoil and along dirt roads (G. Johnson, unpublished data). Blanding s turtles may move considerable distances from wetland habitats to upland habitats for nesting. The distance of potential nest sites from water varies from 2.0 m to greater than 1.0 km (Congdon et al. 1983), and nest observations in areas adjacent to wetlands where they are not considered residents have been recorded (Congdon et al. 1983, Ross and Anderson 1990). The nesting season in northern New York occurs primarily during the month of June, when females lay an average of 8-13 eggs that take approximately days to hatch (Johnson and Crockett 2009, G. Johnson, unpublished data). Although primarily an aquatic species (Graham and Doyle 1977), both sexes of Blanding s turtles occasionally make significant overland movements outside of the nesting season, often staying in retreats in forested uplands or vernal pools (Joyal et al. 2001, Johnson and Crockett 2009). 17

18 Photo 3. Blanding's turtle with its characteristic yellow throat. 18

19 Northern Map Turtle Graptemys geographica The northern map turtle is typically found in sheltered bays and inlets of lakes (e.g., Lake Ontario) and the slower moving stretches of large rivers with suitable basking sites (logs, rocks, collapsed docks along the shoreline) (Pluto and Bellis 1986, Carriere 2007, Gibbs et al. 2007). As highquality basking site may be limiting, map turtles often bask gregariously (Ernst and Lovich 2009). This species is the most fully aquatic of the 6 species of concern, leaving the water only to bask and for nesting with little overland movement. Food availability may be the limiting factor in the northern map turtle s distribution rather than habitat suitability (Ernst and Lovich 2009). Map turtles exhibit a strong sexual size dimorphism (females larger) and the sexes may show niche divergence (Pluto and Bellis 1986), however few differences in diet or habitat use between the sexes have been observed in a northern population (Bulte et al. 2008). Females may move greater distances in lotic environments, however they exhibit similar spatial ecology in lakes (Carriere et al. 2009). The northern map turtle overwinters in well oxygenated water and emerges in from its hibernacula in April (Gibbs et al. 2007). The diet of adult map turtles is comprised largely of gastropods (Ernst and Lovich 2009). Nesting occurs in May through July and the female may produce a second clutch of eggs in the same season. Nesting sites are composed of unshaded areas of loose soil (Carriere et al. 2009). Clutches of the map turtle usually contain 6-20 eggs. Hatchlings emerge in August to September, but may remain in the nest over winter and emerge the following spring (Gibbs et al. 2007). In Quebec, map turtles are known to nest within 3 m of the water (Gordon and MacCullough 1980), and their behavior in northern New York is likely very similar. In and near the AOC, it is likely that all map turtles nest within 100 m or less of the water (G. Johnson, personal communication). 19

20 Photo 4. Northern map turtle. 20

21 Painted Turtle Chrysemys picta Painted turtle are common freshwater turtles in the region and occur in almost all freshwater wetlands in New York and can also be found in other slow moving, shallow water (Gibbs et al. 2007). They are also tolerant to polluted waters (Ernst and Lovich 2009). Painted turtles are largely aquatic, but are known to make significant overland dispersal movements, particularly among males (Bowne 2003, Tuberville et al. 1996) Adult painted turtles are omnivores while juveniles are primarily carnivores. Nesting occurs in June and July with a nest consisting of 3-15 eggs. Hatching occurs in August and September, but hatchlings may overwinter in the nest, particularly at the northern limits of their range (Ernst and Lovick 2009). In northern New York, painted turtles most often nest close to the water, usually within 100 m (G. Johnson, personal communication). Photo 5. Painted turtle. 21

22 Wood Turtle Glyptemys insculpta The wood turtle is typically associated with a variety of aquatic and wetland types, but is most closely associated with riparian habitats along the streams and medium-sized rivers where mating and overwintering occurs (Compton et al. 2002, Arvisais et al. 2004, Saumure et al. 2010). This species is the most terrestrial of the turtle species under consideration (Kauffman 1992), spending considerable time during the active period foraging in terrestrial situations. They are most often found within and along suitable watercourses during late April-May and in late September-October (Walde et al. 2003). Wood turtles have large home ranges with a stream or river habitat bordered by forest or meadow (Saumure et al. 2012). Males spend more time in water than females (Ernst and Lovich 2009). Their diet consists of invertebrates, especially earthworms, insects, amphibians and some plant material and fungi. Nesting occurs in May through July with a clutch consisting of 4-12 eggs. In northern New York, the distance females may move to find a suitable nesting site is unknown (G. Johnson, personal communication). Nesting habitat is well drained, moist, loose soil (Ernst and Lovich 2009). Hatchlings emerge in September and October and disperse, sometimes far from the nest, before establishing a permanent home range (Gibbs et al. 2007). 22

23 Photo 6. Wood turtle. 23

24 Family Kinosternidae Stinkpot (Common or Eastern Musk Turtle) Sternotherus odoratum Stinkpots are a highly aquatic species and can be found in slow moving rivers and streams or shallow, weedy coves of lakes and are almost always found near water (Edmonds and Brooks 1996, Gibbs et al. 2007, Picard 2008, Johnson 2009). Permanent wetlands with soft bottoms and still or slowmoving water with abundant submerged and floating vegetation are preferred (Mahmoud 1969, Ernst 1986, Johnson 2009). Though stinkpots prefer shallow water less than 60 cm deep, they can be found in deeper water later in summer (Johnson 2009). Stinkpots are active from March until October and will overwinter underwater, often in muskrat and beaver lodges and bank burrows (Kiviat 1978). They have strong claws which allow them to climb trees to bask, though most bask in shallow water (Ernst and Lovich 2009). Stinkpots feed on algae, small snails, crustaceans, and microinvertebrates (Gibbs et al. 2007, Ernst and Lovich 2009). Stinkpots generally nest beginning in late May to mid- June with nests consisting of 2-9 eggs, although there is evidence that they may produce multiple clutches (Johnson 2009). Nests are typically found in the sides of muskrat lodges, in decaying stumps, or under other debris. Eggs hatch in August and September (Gibbs et al. 2007). The habitat requirements and movement patterns of stinkpots in and near the AOC are unknown. 24

25 Photo 7. Stinkpot. 25

26 Family Chelydridae Snapping Turtle (Common snapping turtle) Chelydra serpentina The snapping turtle will use a wide variety of aquatic and wetland ecosystems, including lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, canals, emergent marshes, swamps and will even enter brackish estuaries (Lagler 1943, Froese 1978, Froese and Burghardt 1975, Ernst and Lovich 2009), but they prefer slow-moving water bodies with soft bottom substrates (mud, silt and sand) and abundant aquatic vegetation (Petokas and Alexander 1980). Juveniles tend to occupy shallow densely-vegetated aquatic areas, but shift to deeper water as adults (Congdon et al. 1992). They rarely bask above the water (Obbard and Brooks 1979), but may make significant (> 1 km) overland movements, both to locate suitable nesting sites and to disperse (Obbard and Brooks 1980, 1981, 1987). They overwinter underwater beneath submerged logs, overhanging stream banks or deep under marsh mud (Meeks and Ultsch 1990, Brown and Brooks 1994). Snapping turtles are omnivorous and take a wide variety of foods in their diet (Ernst and Lovich 2009). Nesting occurs between 15 May and 15 June over most of its range, but may be later along the northern limits in Quebec and Ontario (Ernst and Lovich 2009, Obbard and Brooks 1987). Nest sites typically have an open canopy with soft loose substrates and may be found in open sandy fields, roadsides along causeways, agricultural fields and elevated earthen dikes. In general, snapping turtles move very short distances to nest. In Michigan, females moved an average of 37 m from wetland to nesting site (Congdon 1987). Movement to a nesting site is a function of suitable habitat availability, and movements are longer in boreal forest or areas with rock outcrops where suitable nesting habitat is limited. In northern New York, snapping turtles are commonly observed nesting immediately adjacent to wetlands. It is estimated that 90% of snapping turtles likely nest within 300 m of a wetland (G. Johnson, personal communication). 26

27 Photo 8. Snapping turtle. 27

28 3.2 Data for Turtle Populations and Habitat Existing data for turtle populations and habitat in the AOC and within 15 miles of the Massena/Akwesasne AOC were assembled from all available sources. Typically, records were limited to rare species whose occurrences are tracked by local researchers and agencies in New York. Records for widespread common species, such as snapping turtles and painted turtles were lacking since these species are not normally tracked or recorded. Blanding s Turtle Emydoidea blandingii The Blanding s turtle is listed by the NYSDEC as Threatened in New York State (NYSDEC 1999) and is the only species tracked by the New York Natural Heritage Program. There are few documented records of Blanding s turtles within the AOC. The NYS Herpetological Atlas (NYSDEC 2009) reports them in 2 USGS quadrangles in the AOC: one from two reports on Barnhart Island in Massena and the second from a 20 June 2009 road crossing of an adult female on Route 37 on the St. Regis Mohawk Reservation (see Flaherty et al for details). Several individual records of Blanding s turtles are also known from southwestern Quebec near the New York border along the St. Lawrence River (NatureServe 2009). The earliest published record of Blanding s turtles in the region of the AOC was reported in Petokas and Alexander (1981), who documented a road-killed adult female Blanding s turtle on New York State Route 37 in June 1979, approximately 0.5 km southeast of the mouth of Coles Creek and Lake St. Lawrence. Since that time, it has been reported from numerous locations within 15 miles of the AOC, mostly to the west and southwest (Gibbs et al. 2007, New York Natural Heritage Program database), The most well-known population is found in and around Coles Creek State Park and the adjacent Wilson Hill Wildlife Management Area (WHWMA). In June 1997 a gravid female Blanding s turtle carrying 14 eggs was found dead on New York State Route 37 in the vicinity of Coles Creek (Jaycox 2003). The New York State Natural Heritage Program (NYNHP) conducted surveys for Blanding s turtles at Coles Creek in 2002; during a two-week period in June, four Blanding s turtles were captured. Additionally, one road-killed and one captured Blanding s turtle were reported in the NYNHP Element Occurrence Record (Jaycox 2003). Long term monitoring of Blanding s turtles was initiated in 2003 at Coles Creek and continue to this day (NEA 2004a, NEA 2004b, NEA 2005a, NEA 2006a, NEA 2006b, Riveredge 2008a, Riveredge 2008b, Johnson and Crockett 2009, Riveredge 2008b, 28

29 Johnson 2012). The NEA survey efforts in 2003 and 2004 produced a total of 27 Blanding s turtle captures in traps and by hand within the Study Area (NEA 2004b). As a result of the two survey periods, NEA estimated the Blanding s turtle population size at one site in Coles Creek to be 64 turtles (SE = 18.66, 95% confidence interval = 18 to 91), using the Lincoln Peterson estimator of population size (NEA 2004b). Blanche Town, Senior Wildlife Biologist with the NYSDEC, observed a Blanding s turtle at WHWMA in May of 1995 on the western side of the West Pool (B. Town pers. comm.); however, the sex and age of this turtle were undetermined. NEA conducted habitat assessments at WHWMA (NEA 2004c) and based upon these results, initiated trapping efforts in 2005 and 2006 (NEA 2005b, NEA 2006b) which successfully documented a population at this site. Johnson and Crockett (2009) and Johnson (2012) documented additional population locations and suitable habitats within 15 miles of the AOC. Blanding's turtles are the subject of a NYPA Habitat Improvement Project (HIP) near Coles Creek (Riveredge Associates 2009, NYPA 2014). Northern Map Turtle Graptemys geographica There is no published information on populations or hotspots of breeding individuals of northern map turtles in or near the AOC, but there are some scattered observation records. This species is known to occur in the AOC and 15 miles outside AOC. Four were caught on Akwesasne between 1985 and 1987 (three in the Raquette River downstream (north) of State Route 37 and one in the St. Lawrence near Raquette Point) as part of contaminant study (Skinner 1992). The NYS Herp Atlas (NYSDEC 2009) depicts only one record in extreme northwestern Franklin County within 15 miles of the AOC, however they have been detected at multiple sites within and near the AOC in 2010 and 2011 as part of a recent survey effort for reptile species of greatest conservation need (Johnson 2012), including sites along Croil Island, WHWMA and Barnhart Island (Glenn Johnson, unpublished data). In addition, SRMT captured 3 individuals in the St. Regis River inside the AOC in 2011 during net sets for fish (Jay Wilkins, personal communication). 29

30 Painted Turtle Chrysemys picta Painted turtles are likely ubiquitous within the AOC and within 15 miles of the AOC, however there are few published reports concerning occurrence and no reports on population status. They have been collected as by-catch in hoop traps at all the locations sampled for Blanding s turtles in St. Lawrence and Jefferson counties over the period during G. Johnson and colleagues survey efforts (Crockett 2008, Johnson and Crockett 2009, Johnson 2012). SRMT reported catching them inside the AOC in the St Regis River (2011) and the Grasse River (2012) (Jay Wilkins, personal communication). Suitable habitat appears to be widespread in the AOC and 15 miles around the AOC. Additional anecdotal trap records for the AOC were verbally communicated by staff members of the SRMTED (James Costello, Jay Wilkins, personal communication). Wood Turtle Glyptemys insculpta There are few records of wood turtles within the AOC, however J. Costello (SRMT, unpublished data) has captured them at the mouth of the Raquette River on the St. Regis Mohawk reservation and Johnson (2012) has reported them from multiple locations along the southern limits of the AOC and within 15 miles of the AOC. Many of these observations were road crossings; however they were reported from stream surveys in the St. Regis, Raquette and Grasse Rivers and their tributaries as well as Little Sucker Brook (Scott Schuleuter, USFWS, pers. comm.) and Plum Brook. Little is known about their population status in the region, but suitable habitat appears to be relatively abundant. Stinkpot Sternotherus odoratum There are no published reports of common musk turtle populations occurring within the AOC or within 15 miles of the AOC and there are no reports of this species in the NYS Herp Atlas (NYSDEC 2009). However, common musk turtles have been encountered in Coles Creek (Johnson 2012) and one was found in the tailrace below the Robert Moses Power Dam in about 1999 (Lee Harper, personal observation). Stinkpots are known from many locations upstream of the AOC in embayments of the St. 30

31 Lawrence River (e.g. Goose Bay), in Black Lake and in the Indian River Lakes Region of St. Lawrence and Jefferson counties (NYSDEC 2009, Johnson 2012). Suitable habitat is known to occur in and around the AOC (Glenn Johnson, pers. observation; James Costello, personal observation). Snapping Turtle Chelydra serpentina Snapping turtles are likely ubiquitous in appropriate habitat across the AOC and within 15 miles of the AOC. For example, 135 adults were captured in trapping efforts along the Raquette and St. Regis Rivers on the St. Regis Mohawk Reservation in 2006, 2007 and 2009 (Costello 2011), and they were also captured by SRMT on the St. Regis River and Grasse River inside the AOC in 2011 and 2012 respectively (Jay Wilkins, personal communication). As with painted turtles, snapping turtles were frequently collected as by-catch in hoop traps at all the locations sampled for Blanding s turtles in St. Lawrence and Jefferson counties over the period during G. Johnson and colleagues survey efforts (Crockett 2008, Johnson and Crockett 2009, Johnson 2012). No published or reported population studies are available for the study area, however suitable habitat appears to be widespread and of highquality within the AOC and the area 15 miles around the AOC. 31

32 Figure 2. Locations of turtles in and near the AOC. Records were largely limited to rare species in and upstream of the AOC in NY. 32

33 3.3 Data Related to Contaminants, Hatching, and Deformities This review of existing data related to contaminants and reproductive deformities was limited to snapping turtles because they are ideal subjects for assessing environmental pollutants as they tend to bioaccumulate toxins in their tissues (e.g. muscles, fat, liver and eggs) (de Solla et al. 2007). They sit at the top of the food chain, are long-lived, ecological generalists (especially piscavorian) who tend to live their lives in a single wetland or wetland complex (Bishop et al. 1996, 1998, 1999; de Solla et al. 2001, 2007, 2008; Stone et al. 1980, Pagano et al. 1999; Struger et al. 1987, 1993). Other turtle species are not commonly used as indicator or sentinel species for contaminant investigations and therefore were not considered for secondary data review. The general results of these studies are summarized here (Table 5) and the egg or tissue collections sites are detailed in Table 6 and Figure 3. Detailed chemical analysis data are contained in the original references and are not summarized here. Studies of contaminants and reproductive deformities in and near the Massena/Akwesasne AOC include Skinner et al. (1992), Bonin et al. (1995), Bishop et al. (1998), Pagano et al. (1999), Ashpole et al. (2004), de Solla et al. (2001, 2007, 2008), and Hughes et al. (2010). Each of these studies examined snapping turtle contaminants within and/or immediately adjacent to the AOC, as well as in other areas (Tables 5 and 6, Figure 3). The laboratory analyses of these studies were conducted by state, provincial, or federal laboratories, or by accredited laboratories, under appropriate QA/QC programs. Laboratory procedures used accepted protocols and included the use of laboratory blanks, spikes, and duplicates. In general, the earlier studies (before 2000) examined contaminant burdens in eggs and in tissues (fat, liver), whereas more recent studies (2001 and later) focused more on contaminant levels in snapping turtle eggs as part of a Great Lakes-wide monitoring effort. In addition, later studies focused on incubating snapping turtle clutches in the laboratory to determine the rate of hatching and deformities. Contaminants Found in Snapping Turtle Tissue NYSDEC (1981), Skinner (1992), and Pagano et al. (1999) detail the results of tests of contaminant levels in snapping turtle tissue. Skinner (1992), however, did not originally propose the collection of snapping turtles for testing (see Table 1 in Skinner 1992). Snapping turtles were collected opportunistically. Seven turtles were collected from six locations. Two of these locations are located approximately 3.0 miles east of the St. Regis River, on the Snye portion of Akwesasne. Two were located just east of GM, in or near the cove and tributary flowing in to the St. Lawrence River (Contaminant 33

34 Cove or Turtle Creek in Akwesasne). One was in the Raquette River approximately 0.4 miles northeast of the current SRMTED office location, and the last location was located on the Grasse River approximately 100 m upstream of the mouth of the river at the confluence of the St. Lawrence River (Skinner 1992). Skinner (1992) reported that PCBs were found in all turtle fat and liver sample analyzed but not always found in muscle. Among fat samples, the highest total PCB levels were found in a snapping turtle from the unnamed tributary, a small creek just east of Alcoa West. This turtle was found to have 1,347 ppm wet weight total PCBs and 1,426 ppm lipid weight PCBs (Skinner 1992). The wet weight of liver total PCBs was highest in a turtle from the mouth of the Grasse River at ppm (Skinner 1992). The highest wet weight for muscle was found in the Snye wetlands at 2.98 ppm (Skinner 1992). This level is substantially higher than the 0.01 mg/kg (ppm) PCB fish tissue remedial goal designed to be protective of Mohawk health from fish ingestion (EPA 2013). Snye wetlands are downstream of the AOC, suggesting transboundary impacts. Dioxins and dibenzofurans were also detected in snapping turtles. Snapping turtles from the Grasse River contained the greatest number of TCDD toxicity equivalents. Skinner (1992) also report levels of DDT, DDE, and other compounds from snapping turtles in these samples. The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) recommends that women of childbearing age, infants, and children under the age of 15 should avoid eating snapping turtles or soups made with their meat (NYSDOH 2014). The SRMT draft Game Advisory recommends that no turtles be eaten. Contaminants Found in Snapping Turtle Eggs Snapping turtle eggs from the vicinity of the St. Lawrence River AOC have been tested for contaminants many times since the mid 1980s (Table 5). Early studies focused on total PCBs and organochlorine pesticides (Struger et al. 1993), while later studies tested for total PCBs, non-ortho PCBs, dioxins, and furans ( Bishop et al. 1998, de Solla et al. 2001, Ashpole et al. 2004). Recent studies have examined these contaminants as well as PBDEs (de Solla et al. 2008, Hughes et al. 2010). de Solla et al. (2001) found some of the highest levels of PCB s ever found in a free-ranging organism in the eggs of snapping turtles on the Akwesasne, Mohawk Territory. The levels of PCBs found in turtle eggs exceeded concentrations associated with developmental problems and reduced hatching success in snapping turtles and other species (Bishop et al., 1991, 1998) and also exceed the Canadian tissue residue guidelines (TRG) for toxic equivalency concentrations for PCBs of 0.79 ng/kg w.w. (ppt) 34

35 (Environment Canada 1999 in de Solla et al. 2001). The extremely high levels of organochlorine contaminants demonstrate the high degree of contamination in the environment in the Akwesasne area (de Solla et al. 2001). Ashpole et al reported that total mean PCB concentrations were highest in eggs from the three Akwesasne sites in or adjacent to the AOC: Turtle Creek, Raquette River, and Snye Marsh. The single Turtle Creek clutch adjacent to General Motors contained PCB concentrations 15 times higher than clutches from the Raquette River site. The mean total PCB contaminant levels in Raquette River eggs were significantly higher compared with those from all the other study sites. Contaminants Found in Snapping Turtle Eggs and Rates of Deformities Developmental and contaminant induced deformities in snapping turtles has been described by Bishop et al. (1998 and 2001) and by de Solla et al. (2001, 2007, 2008). Bishop et al. (1998) confirmed a relationship between contaminant burdens and deformities in snapping turtles. In these and other studies, a subset of the eggs was used for chemical analysis and another subset of eggs was removed from the nest and artificially incubated. Bishop et al (1998) and de Solla et al. (2001) examined hatching rates and hatchling abnormalities in turtles collected in or near Akwesasne as well as collected from other AOCs and reference areas. Bishop et al. (1998) examined hatching rates and abnormalities in seven snapping turtle clutches, each composed of eggs (180 total eggs). At Akwesasne the total mean percent of abnormally developed eggs per site was 5.1% unhatched eggs/site; 9.3% deformed hatchlings/site, and 14.4% total mean % of abnormally developed eggs/site. These rates were not significantly different from rates observed at an Algonquin Provincial Park reference site (Bishop et al. 1998). de Solla (2001) reported more deformities were observed in hatchlings of the Akwesasne AOC than reference sites. Hatchlings from the Raisin River area within the Cornwall AOC had a deformity rate of 28.3% compared to 5.3% and 11.3% at the Algonquin Park and Tiny Marsh reference sites, respectively. He also observed more deformities per turtle than those in the reference sites. The most common deformities observed during the study were of the marginal scutes on the carapace, and this deformity was least likely to be associated with others. Deformities of the lateral and dorsal scutes frequently occurred simultaneously, as did those of the head and toes. Deformities of the head and toes indicated a high likelihood of other deformities occurring. Marginal scute deformities were not linked 35

36 with the occurrence of others. There was no correlation between low hatching success and increased rate of deformities. Hatching success was poor and rate of deformities higher in eggs with moderate levels of PCBs. Deformities of hatchlings from the Akwesasne portion of the AOC were more severe than those of the reference site and were therefore more likely to affect survivorship. Eggs from these sites had the higher concentrations of PCBs and organochlorine pesticides compared to the reference sites. de Solla et al. (2007, 2008) and Hughes (2010) (in Cornwall St. Lawrence River AOC Stage 3 document) reported that Akwesasne turtle eggs had high contaminant concentrations but also high site variability within Akwesasne. Hatching deformities were found to be highest at AOC sites but were poorly correlated with contaminant burdens. Contaminant burdens in snapping turtle eggs at Akwesasne were found to be average or less when compared to other AOC sites. 36

37 Table 5. Summary of literature for snapping turtle eggs in or near the AOC. Reference Snapping Turtle Eggs Tested For Results Struger et al Bonin, et al Bishop, et al Pagano, et al clutches from 3 sites collected in clutches from 10 sites near Massena to below Montreal. Samples collected Eggs collected and artificially incubated from 8 sites in Ontario and Akwesasne, NY. Samples collected Eggs (and tissue) collected from gravid female at GM cove/turtle Creek Organochlorine pesticides, PCBs, dioxins, furans 20 organochlorine pesticides and 39 PCB congeners; also mercury Organochlorine pesticides, nonortho PCBs, PCDDs, PCDFs, and mercury PCBs, organochlorine pesticides Total PCBs at St. Lawrence River sites ranged from mg/kg (ppm) wet weight near Raisin River to and mg/kg at upstream reference sites. Levels lower than other AOC sites and some reference sites. PCBs high but locally variable; high intrasite variability in turtles, possibly due to age, sex, and body size. However, Bishop et al. (1994) found no relationship between turtle size, age, or clutch mass and organochlorine concentrations in snapping turtle eggs. Concentrations of total PCBs were highest at Akwesasne. Total PCBs were found at an average of ng/kg (ppt) (wet weight). The most prevalent pesticide was Mirex at an average of ng/kg (wet weight).total mercury concentrations were low overall but highest in eggs from Akwesasne. Mercury was found to be % lipid. Average PCB levels were found to be mg/kg (ppm) in eggs (N=3). Tissue results were mg/kg PCBs in liver, and mg/kg in adipose tissue. Mirex was the most prevalent pesticide at a level of 8.41 mg/kg in liver tissue, 9.98 mg/kg in adipose tissue, and 2.84 mg/kg in eggs. 37

38 Reference Snapping Turtle Eggs Tested For Results de Solla et al Ashpole et al de Solla et al. 2007, de Solla, et al. 2008, Hughes et al Eggs from 8 clutches at 4 sites at Akwesasne 2-13 km downstream of GM. Eggs collected in June Eggs from AOC and nearby areas collected in 1999 and Hatching success and deformities from 14 sites in Great Lakes organochlorine pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls, dibenzodioxins, and furans Total PCBs, nonortho PCBs, organochlorine pesticides; PCDDs, PCDFs, Hg PCBs, PBDEs, and organochlorine pesticides Maximum concentrations of total PCBs were extremely high, and ranged from 2,378.2 ng/g to 737,683 ng/g (ppb) (wet weight) and are among the highest recorded in any tissue of a free-ranging animal. Similarly, in a pooled sample of eggs from all four sites, the summed concentrations of non-ortho PCBs (n = 6 congeners) was also very high at ng/g and the summed dioxin and furan concentrations (n = 11 congeners) was 85.8 ng/g. Sum organochlorine pesticide levels varied from 28 to 2,264 ng/g among the four sites The levels of PCBs found in turtle eggs exceeded concentrations associated with developmental problems and reduced hatching success in snapping turtles and other species (Bishop et al., 1991, 1998) and also exceed the Canadian tissue residue guidelines (TRG) for toxic equivalency concentrations for PCBs of 0.79 ng/kg w.w. (ppt) (Environment Canada 1999 in de Solla et al. 2001). Total mean PCBs from Akwesasne were highest of all Great Lakes sites. Total PCBs (ng/g wet weight) were 1,900 at Snye Marsh, 4,000 at Raquette River, and 61,000 at Turtle Creek which was 360 to 3,100 times higher than the mean concentrations at the reference sites. Non-ortho PCBs, PCDDs, and PCDFs also reported. Akwesasne turtle eggs had high contaminant concentrations but also high site variability within Akwesasne. Contaminant burdens average or less when compared to other AOC sites. Hatching deformities highest at AOC sites but poorly correlated with contaminant burdens. These references include data from previously reported studies including Bishop et al 1998, de Solla et al., 2001, and Ashpole et al,

39 Table 6. Snapping turtle egg clutch collection sites in and near the AOC. Upstream reference sites AOC Outside Downstream AOC Reference Number of snapping turtle clutches and sites in or near AOC Morrisburg or Hosaic Creek Upper Canada Bird Sanctuary (UCBS) Ingleside, Hoople Creek Struger et al clutches from 3 sites collected in Bonin et al clutches from 7 sites; Bishop et al clutches from 3 sites site, eggs from Pagano et al gravid female 1 collected in 1998 de Solla et al clutches from 4 sites collected June clutches from 6 Ashpole et al sites collected in and 2000 de Solla et al. 2007, 30 clutches from 3 de Solla et al. 2008, Hughes et al sites collected from Bishop et al do not detail how many clutches came from each site. 2 de Solla et al incorrectly reported this sample as from inside the AOC. It is upstream of Route 37, and outside the AOC. 3 de Solla et al only had 10 clutches from Upper Canada Bird Sanctuary whereas de Solla et al and Hughes et al reported 11 clutches from this site. 39 Long Sault Turtle Creek, Contaminant Cove Raquette River St. Regis River Akwesasne Snye Marsh Dundee Gray's Creek Cooper Marsh, Raisin River, Loon Island

40 Figure 3. Collection sites of snapping turtle tissue and egg clutches in and near the AOC. 40