Comprehensive Overview of the Sunken Villages and Marine Life in the St. Lawrence River

Sunken Villages: Exploration Highlights

The Sunken Villages in the St. Lawrence River are a result of the flooding caused by the St. Lawrence Seaway and Hydro Project in 1958. These submerged sites offer a unique window into history, showcasing remnants of communities that were relocated or lost beneath the water. The sites attract divers and marine life enthusiasts alike, providing an opportunity to explore underwater streets, buildings, and even unique structures like barns and race tracks.

Highlighted Dive Sites

1.Downtown Aultsville

•Coordinates: N 44.57.15 W 75.01.42

•Depth: Varies

•Special Features: Outlines of streets and building foundations still visible underwater.

•Hazards: Strong currents, entanglement risks with submerged debris.

2.Santa Cruz Two

•Coordinates: N 44.59.14 W 74.57.35

•Depth: Varies

•Special Features: Intact structures and street remnants offering a unique glimpse into the former village layout.

3.Straight Stretch Highway No. 2

•Coordinates: N 44.59.21 W 74.56.56

•Depth: Varies

•Special Features: A preserved section of Highway No. 2, complete with submerged roadways and nearby structures.

4.Connors’ Race Track

•Coordinates: N 45.00.16 W 55.35.08

•Depth: Varies

•Special Features: Submerged race track outlines.

•Hazards: Unstable remnants of structures.

5.Barn with Octagonal Silo

•Coordinates: N 45.01.51 W 74.51.59

•Depth: Varies

•Special Features: Unique silo and barn remnants offering intriguing photographic opportunities.

6.Farran’s Point Street

•Coordinates: N 48.58.45 W 74.59.38

•Depth: Varies

•Special Features: Former urban street layouts visible underwater.

7.Dickinson’s Landing Church

•Coordinates: N 44.59.40 W 74.54.4

•Depth: Varies

•Special Features: A poignant dive to view the remains of a submerged church.

Marine Life Overview

The submerged sites have become thriving habitats for freshwater species, adding an ecological significance to their historical value. Below is a guide to common species you might encounter:

Key Fish Species

•Smallmouth Bass: Aggressive predators found around structures like foundations and submerged trees.

•Northern Pike: Ambush predators often seen near shadowy areas or around the bases of submerged objects.

•Yellow Perch: Frequently schooling near submerged buildings and old roadways.

•Catfish: Found scavenging near muddy or silty areas.

•Sturgeon: Rarely seen but can occasionally be found in deeper sections of the villages.

Other Aquatic Life

•Crayfish: Thrive in rocky areas and crevices in submerged structures.

•Aquatic Vegetation: Includes pondweed and algae, which contribute to the ecosystem’s biodiversity.

Special Considerations for Diving

•Visibility: Varies depending on current, season, and water conditions.

•Hazards:

•Sharp objects from submerged structures.

•Strong currents, especially in deeper or exposed sections.

•Potential for entanglement in debris.

Diver Recommendations

•Respect historical sites by avoiding damage to submerged structures.

•Avoid disturbing aquatic life to maintain the ecological balance.

•Dive with a local guide or operator for the safest experience.

Resources for Further Exploration

1.St. Lawrence River Institute of Environmental Sciences

•Research on fish populations and the biodiversity of the river.

•Link

2.Great Lakes Fishery Commission

•Comprehensive information on fish species.

•Link

3.Dive Brockville Adventure Centre

•Guided dives and information on the Sunken Villages.

•Link

4.NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory

•Insights into aquatic ecosystems and water conditions.

•Link

5.Canadian Geographic: St. Lawrence River Overview

•Detailed history and ecological significance of the river.

•Link

Conclusion

The Sunken Villages of the St. Lawrence River offer a captivating blend of history, ecology, and adventure. Whether exploring the submerged streets of Aultsville or diving along the remnants of Highway No. 2, these sites provide a unique underwater experience that bridges the past and the present. Respect for these historical locations and the marine life that now inhabits them ensures they remain a treasure for future generations to explore.