In Lake Huron, mesmerizing underwater video footage has revealed a vibrant area teeming with fish, famously dubbed “fish city” by a documentary crew that showcased the locale for Earth Day. However, the Saugeen Ojibway Nation (SON) disputes this characterization, asserting that the site near the Bruce Nuclear Generating Station is more of a “fish trap” than a bustling hub for aquatic life.
SON highlights the deaths of approximately five million gizzard shad in 2025, as documented by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) in a report from the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission. The massive mortality event occurred when an influx of fish obstructed the station’s cooling water intake systems, leading to the proactive shutdown of Bruce A Unit 2 by the utility. Additionally, SON reports that multiple lake sturgeon, an at-risk species with cultural significance in Anishnaabe traditions, became stranded at the plant.
The debate over the nature of “fish city” extends beyond mere imagery, raising concerns about how Bruce Power manages ecological risks as it seeks regulatory approval to enhance plant capabilities for increased electricity production. The warm-water outflow from the Bruce Nuclear Generating Station acts as a lure for fish, attracting them with higher food availability. However, SON biologist Ryan Lauzon argues that the site operates in two phases: attraction and entrapment, with fish often becoming trapped within the plant’s infrastructure once inside.
Bruce Power refutes allegations that the plant was responsible for the 2025 fish die-off, attributing the event to unusual environmental conditions such as high shad numbers and harsh winter weather. The utility asserts that it has implemented various measures, including nets and monitoring systems, to prevent fish from entering the plant’s facilities.
In a bid to increase electricity generation, Bruce Power has sought approval from regulators to boost output levels by around 11% by 2030 without constructing new reactors. The company contends that these enhancements can be made safely within environmental constraints. However, a 2024 report acknowledged the absence of clear benchmarks for determining acceptable levels of fish deaths related to plant operations.
The impact of the fish deaths goes beyond ecological considerations, as gizzard shad play a crucial role in the lake ecosystem, affecting other species. Paul Jones, a former fisherman and councilor with the Chippewas of the Nawash Unceded First Nation, emphasizes the cultural and ecological significance of fish in the region, underscoring the importance of recognizing the broader implications of such events.
