RFW 280 Techniques in Aquatics and Fisheries I

Outcome 1. The student will be able to evaluate fish presence, abundance and habitat quality, using various sampling methods.

Evaluate and apply different techniques and protocols for the safe and ethical capture and enumeration of fish.

Handle and sample live fish safely and ethically, using industry standard techniques that will be required in the workplace.

Describe the ecology and habitat preferences for key BC fish families.

Apply methods for sampling fish habitat in BC streams.

Conduct a BC RISC 1:20K Fish and Fish Habitat Inventory.

Sample benthic macroinvertebrates.

Differentiate between common fish species found in the Canadian Columbia Basin.

Evaluate fish passage at culverts.

Outcome 2. The student will be able to interpret fish and fish habitat management approaches and current challenges in BC.

Describe the potential impacts on fish and fish habitat of hydroelectric dams, forest harvesting, and urban development.

Discuss management approaches used to mitigate human impacts on fish and fish habitat in BC.

Describe threats to native aquatic ecosystems due to climate change and invasive species.

Outcome 3. The student will be able to describe fish taxonomy, physiology, reproduction and habitat requirements, with an emphasis on practical considerations for field sampling and management of species present in the Columbia Basin.

Describe taxonomic relationships between common fish species in the Canadian Columbia basin.

Use dichotomous keys to identify fish families and fish species.

Discuss practical field, management and sustainability implications of basic fish biology, including physiology and reproduction.

Describe basic habitat requirements for common fish families in the Canadian Columbia basin.

Outcome 4. The student will communicate effectively to a technical audience.

Convey fish and fish habitat management information to a technical audience.

Outcome 5. The student will develop professional attitudes.

Create activities and work towards a common group goal.

Respond quickly and positively to new and changing conditions.

Select and summarise current literature relevant to fish and fish habitat management issues in BC.

Outcome 6. The student will be able to assess and mitigate risks in field scenarios.

Participate in and conduct pre-work safety meetings.

Execute field and laboratory work following agreed safe work procedures.