Bruce Power says protecting Lake Huron remains a core priority following criticism from the Saugeen Ojibway Nation over the company’s new “Nuclear Fish City” livestream.
The online camera shows large schools of fish gathering in the warm-water discharge area near the Bruce Nuclear Generating Station.
Earlier, SON raised concerns that the footage could create a misleading impression of a healthy ecosystem, arguing the warm-water plume attracts fish and may expose them to risks near plant infrastructure.
In a statement issued Tuesday, Bruce Power said many industries that use lake water for cooling return water at a slightly higher temperature, creating a small localized warm-water zone that can attract some fish species.
The company says its operations are subject to strict federal and provincial environmental regulations, including limits on thermal discharge, environmental risk assessments, fish-protection requirements and aquatic monitoring.
Bruce Power also says its cooling water systems are designed to reduce fish interactions, with deep offshore intake structures and low approach velocity intended to allow fish to swim away.
Following the 2025 fish mortality event involving gizzard shad, Bruce Power says it introduced additional protective measures, including physical barriers, acoustic and strobe light deterrents, sonar and camera monitoring, and expanded lake research.
The company says that work is being carried out with academic institutions, regulators and Indigenous partners, and adds engagement with SON has been an important part of the response.
Bruce Power says it is also working with SON and the Chippewas of Nawash Fisheries Assessment Program on six aquatic research projects focused on Lake Huron ecosystem changes, nuclear generation impacts, and Lake Whitefish rehabilitation.