Photo Credit: Peter Mather
Health of the Environment
What is environmental water monitoring?
Environmental water monitoring is one way we listen to the land and water. It brings together local knowledge, community values, and science; like a health checkup for the places that sustain us.
By testing lakes, rivers, groundwater, and wastewater, we check for harmful chemicals, bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants. This work helps protect traditional food sources, support healthy ecosystems, and keep our communities safe and resilient for future generations.
Photo Credit: Peter Mather
Yukon Fish Monitoring
Yukon Fish Monitoring refers to coordinated efforts by the Yukon Government, First Nations, and partners to track and understand the health and abundance of fish populations across the territory. These monitoring programs help protect aquatic ecosystems and support sustainable fisheries. The objectives of Yukon Fish Monitoring are to monitor fish populations over time, with a focus on key species such as Chinook salmon, grayling, lake trout, and whitefish; evaluate the health of aquatic ecosystems by collecting data on water quality, temperature, flow, and habitat conditions; support conservation and recovery efforts for species at risk or experiencing population pressures; inform responsible management decisions to ensure sustainable fishing and long-term ecosystem health; and integrate Traditional Knowledge alongside scientific methods to guide culturally respectful monitoring and stewardship practices.
To learn more, checkout the link below:
Yukon Water Quality Monitoring Network
The Yukon Water Quality Monitoring Network is a joint initiative between the Yukon Government (YG) and Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC). The program monitors and reports on the quality of water in the territory's lakes, rivers, and streams. The goal is to detect changes in water quality over time, inform public health and environmental management decisions, and assess the impacts of climate change, land use, and development.
Check out the Yukon Government’s interactive water data catalogue at the link below:
