Assessment of Juvenile White Sturgeon Abundance and Distribution in the Nechako River

EDI was contracted by the Carrier Sekani Tribal Council (CSTC) to provide professional expertise for the purposes of completing surveys of juvenile white sturgeon abundance and distribution in the Nechako River. Sampling was carried out in the Nechako River mainstem between Vanderhoof and the confluence of the Nechako and Stuart Rivers in a range of habitat types. EDI worked with CSTC staff to collect detailed morphological and biological information from all sturgeon captured, including age structure. Identifying tags and internal radio tags were applied to track migratory behaviour and better understand the characteristics of critical juvenile sturgeon habitat. This ongoing work, initiated in 2004 by Alcan Primary Metals – B.C. and the CSTC, is critical for monitoring juvenile white sturgeon recruitment, creating a baseline of recruitment trends, assessing recruitment responses to recovery measures, and documenting habitat preferences. An additional, important function of the project is to aid CSTC staff in building capacity.

Coho Radio Telemetry, Old Crow, YT

EDI, in association with the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation, completed a pilot study to determine the spawning distribution of coho salmon in the Porcupine River, near Old Crow, Yukon. This project involved catching migrating coho salmon, inserting radio tags and tracking them in the upper portions of the watershed. Due to late timing of this salmon run, this project was completed in the late fall and winter in extreme weather conditions. Many experts in the fisheries management field were impressed with the success of this project.

Overview Fish and Fish Habitat Inventory of the Klua Creek Watershed, Fort Nelson, BC

EDI conducted a 1:50,000 scale Overview Fish and Fish Habitat Inventory in the Klua Creek watershed within the EnCana Oil & Gas Partnership (EnCana) Fort Nelson Business Unit Operating Area. The inventory provided information regarding fish species presence, probable distribution within the watershed, broad habitat classification for the interpretation of habitat sensitivity, and capability for fish production. The study also determined BC Forest and Range Practices Act (FRPA) stream classifications for proposed stream crossings. The report and associated mapping products were intended to assist EnCana Oil & Gas Partnership with land-use planning initiatives at the landscape level, as well as immediate operational objectives.

Fisheries Inventories, central interior and northeastern BC

Since 1995, EDI has conducted many stream and lake inventories, which have focused on collecting detailed fish and fish habitat information. This work has included both the reconnaissance and overview level inventories following the BC Resources Inventory Committee standards. The information collected was summarized and presented in digital databases and maps. Clients for Fish and Fish Habitat Inventories have included Canfor, Slocan Group, Stuart Lake Lumber Co. Ltd, Number 5 Timber Ltd., Tanizul Timber Ltd., BC Environment, Muskwa-Kechika Management Area Advisory Board and EnCana.

Eaglet Lake Burbot Study, Eaglet Lake, BC

EDI, in conjunction with the Lheidli T'enneh Band, conducted an assessment of the burbot population in Eaglet Lake, B.C. All fish were marked with either Floy tags or fin clips, measured and released. Larger burbot were fitted with external radio transmitters. Winter movements of radio-tagged burbot were monitored over a three-month period to determine activity levels and identify spawning migrations and locations. Creel surveys were conducted to assess angling pressure and harvest. Biological data were analyzed to evaluate stock condition and produce management recommendations.

Overview Fish and Fish Habitat Inventory within the Vents and Upper Toad River Watersheds, Muskwa-Kechika Management Area, BC

EDI was retained by the Muskwa-Kechika Advisory Board to undertake Overview Level Fish and Fish Habitat inventories in two watersheds in the northern portion of the Muskwa-Kechika Management Area. The watersheds targeted included the Vents River and the portion of the Toad River upstream of Moose Lake. Surveys were undertaken following the Overview Fish and Fish Habitat Inventory methodology developed by the BC Ministry of Environment.

Knewstubb Lake Compensation Plan, Vanderhoof, BC

EDI completed a fish habitat compensation plan for an infilled bay on Knewstubb Lake. The plan included linking up an isolated pond to the main lake. Erosion patterns on the pond were analyzed (via historic air photo analysis) to ensure the site selected would be stable. The works were accepted as compensation by DFO and were very successful from a fisheries and cost effectiveness perspective. Rainbow trout have been found in high numbers in the pond since it has been connected to Knewstubb Lake.

Marshall Creek Fish Passage Design and Environmental Monitoring, Haines Junction, YT

EDI was contracted to develop a design for fish passage at the Marshall Creek Alaska Highway crossing, near Haines Junction, Yukon. The design included the use of Newbury riffles to backwater the culverts and installation of baffles to slow velocities in the culverts. Allnorth Engineering assisted with the design works. EDI completed the environmental monitoring works for the construction works which were completed in the summer of 2006.