RFW 280 Techniques in Aquatics and Fisheries I covers the biology, ecology and management of freshwater fish and aquatic ecosystems, including standard field, laboratory, and office techniques used to sample these ecosystems. The emphasis is on assessing and managing freshwater ecosystems in B.C. Fish taxonomy, physiology, reproduction and habitat requirements are included, with an emphasis on practical considerations for field sampling and management. The material in this course is continued in RFW 281.
Notes:
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.
Prerequisites: ENVR 162, ENVR 164, ENVR 170 all with a minimum grade of 60%
Accessibility Services Notice
Students who would like an academic accommodation and who have a documented disability should contact Accessibility Services, if they have not already done so.Course Details| Total number of weeks | 15 |
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| Total Credits | |
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| Total Hours | 90 |
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Typical hours per week breakdown| Lecture | 2 |
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| Lab (lab, field, computer) | 4 |
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Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to:
- Evaluate fish presence, abundance, and habitat quality using various sampling methods
- Interpret fish and fish habitat management approaches and current challenges in BC
- 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
- Communicate effectively to a technical audience
- Develop professional attitudes
- Assess and mitigate risks in field scenarios
Teaching and Learning Approach
The course will be comprised of two 50 minute classroom sessions, and one four hour lab session each week.
Classroom sessions may involve traditional lectures, problem-based discussions, worksheets, short videos,
guest speakers, quizzes and examinations.
Lab sessions will occur both inside and outdoors and will entail use of fish, invertebrate, water quality, and
habitat sampling equipment in the field. Inside labs may involve data sheets, worksheets, lab equipment,
computers, use of spreadsheets, word processing, summary of scientific data and writing assignments. Some lab
sessions will comprise an approximately eight hour session with one or both sections of the class to accomplish
select tasks.Learning Resources
Required:
No required textbook for this course.
Required Lab Supplies
Leak-free chest waders with wading belt. These will also be used in RFW 281.
Standard personal Field Equipment is necessary as per School Policies including: field vest, hard hat, field
notebook, compass, clinometer, iPad and scientific calculator.
Recommended References
McPhail, J.D. and R. Carveth. 1996. Field Key to the freshwater fishes of British Columbia. Resources Inventory
Committee, Victoria, BC. Available on line.
Murphy, B.R., and D.W. Willis. 1996. Fisheries Techniques, 2nd Edition. American Fisheries Society, Bethesda,
Maryland. Three copies available on reserve in the library (one is an older version) and one is available from the
equipment room for overnight loan.
BC Government Aquatic Ecosystems Task Force. 1997. Fish Collection Methods and Standards. Resources
Inventory Committee, British Columbia. Available online, and there are copies available for short term loan in the
equipment room.Detailed Course Content, Topics, and Sequence Covered
1. Introduction to field trip
2. Slocan Lake field trip (4 nights)
3. Course introduction and stock assessment
4. Fisheries Inventories/Standard Surveys
5. Fisheries and Forestry
6. Riparian Areas (Forest and Range Practices Act and Riparian Areas Protection Regulation)
7. No lecture; Thanksgiving
8. Riparian Areas Protection Regulation
9. MIDTERM - (1 hour)
10. Columbia River Treaty and fisheries issues
11. Fall Reading Break
12. Columbia River Treaty and fish II
13. Fish Biology - Reproduction & Sensory systems
14. Ethics in fish sampling
15. FINAL EXAMAssessment
| Title | Learning Outcomes | Value |
|---|
| Fish Identification and Life History (quizzes, worksheets) | 1, 3 | 15% |
| Midterm Examination (based on lecture Lab (data sheets, field books, field skills, | material) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 | 15% |
| worksheets) | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 | 20% |
| Term project (data entry, data summary, | report) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 | 20% |
| Professionalism | 3 5 | 6% |
| Final Examination | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 | 25% |
| Total | 100% |
Grading Table
Standard Academic and Career Programs Grading Table
| Percentage |
Letter Grade |
GPA |
| 90-100 |
A+ |
4.33 |
| 85-89 |
A |
4.00 |
| 80-84 |
A- |
3.67 |
| 76-79 |
B+ |
3.33 |
| 72-75 |
B |
3.00 |
| 68-71 |
B- |
2.67 |
| 64-67 |
C+ |
2.33 |
| 60-63 |
C |
2.00 |
| 55-59 |
C- |
1.67 |
| 50-54 |
P |
1.00 |
| 0-49 |
F |
0.00 |
| |
DNW |
0.00 |
See the Academic Calendar for General Information including how to withdraw from course(s) and other regulations.
Disclaimer
Information contained in this course outline is correct at the time of publication. Content of the course is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational, employment and market needs. The instructor will endeavor to provide notice of changes to students as soon as possible. The instructor reserves the right to add or delete material from courses.