Aquatic problems caused by human activities in Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada

Despite their protected status, aquatic ecosystems of Banff National Park h ave been subjected to a number of human stresses. Largely as the result of stocking programs earlier in the century, 10 species of nonnative fishes no w occur in the Park, while one endemic subspecies of fish has been extirpat ed, and 2 other species are threatened. A number of rare invertebrates occu r in hot springs and caves, including one mollusk that is endangered. Key i nvertebrates were extirpated from a number of fishless lakes by stocked fis h, and in some cases have not returned, even though fishes did not survive. Restoration efforts in 2 small alpine lakes are described. Addition of nut rients and road salt have changed the chemical nature of the Bow River and its tributaries, and caused incidence of benthic algal mats to form in some sections. Impoundment and diversions affect over 40% of the Bow River catc hment within the Park. Airborne organic contaminants concentrate in glacier s and high elevation snowpacks, yielding amounts high enough to contaminate fisheries to levels that in some cases approach guidelines for human consu mption.