RFW 280 Techniques in Aquatics and Fisheries I

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to:

1. interpret standard guidelines for collecting field data related to fish and fish habitat surveys, and successfully complete the field portion of a fish and fish habitat inventory on a local stream to RISC standards;
2. identify and apply procedures that are ethical and safe for both the sampled animals sampled and for the sampling crews; and
3. develop skills related to working collaboratively in a group, creating and maintaining a respectful work environment, demonstrating personal responsibility for attendance, punctuality, and preparedness and completing tasks to identified deadlines.
4. enter fish and fish habitat data into standard data entry tools, summarize data using appropriate scientific tables and figures, and prepare a data report summarizing the outcomes of sampling;
5. collect and interpret basic water quality data related to health of freshwater ecosystems (continued in more detail in RFW 281);
6. sample and preserve invertebrate communities in streams and collect related data using standard guidelines and data sheets provided by provincial or federal government agencies;
7. analyze aquatic habitat data and assess the requirements of different aquatic species (fish and invertebrates) (continued in RFW 281);
8. recommend, justify, and/or successfully apply common fish and fish habitat sampling techniques to a wide variety of office, laboratory and field situations (continued in RFW 281);
9. apply knowledge of basic fish biology, behavior and species-specific habitat requirements, as well as federal/provincial guidelines and standards, to recommend land use practices that minimize impacts to aquatic ecosystems and riparian areas, while improving sustainability;
10. assess the quality of aquatic environments based on the animal community, habitat measurements and water quality parameters (continued in more detail in RFW 281);
11. understand the taxonomy of an readily identify and compare common fish species found in the Columbia Basin using diagnostic features, pictures, specimens and dichotomous keys. List the Latin name, spawning season and native status of these common species.