Electrofishing Recertification

Description

Backpack electrofishing is a popular fish sampling methods used to capture and sample fish. The NRTG Electrofishing Certification course is a 1.5 day online and field-based training program where students learn how to operate a backpack electrofishing unit safely and effectively.

Program Outcomes

By the end of this course, course participants will be able to:

• Define electrofishing certification, standards and the practice of electrofishing
• Contrast and define the levels and responsibilities of Electrofishing Certification
• Identify mandatory and applicable Electrofishing standards and regulations
• Manage resistance, voltage and power in an electrofishing system
• Define and contrast electrical pulse types and electrical fields in water
• Contrast the types of electrofishing units and their components, features, limitations and capabilities
• Identify mandatory and optional personal protective gear
• Identify backpack electrofisher safety features
• Maintain and troubleshoot backpack electrofishers and associated field gear
• Interpret site conditions and adjust electrofishing settings to maximize catch efficiency
• Calculate appropriate electrofisher settings
• Identify best strategies to maximize catch efficiency while minimizing impacts
• Manage electrofisher power appropriately and effectively
• Identify key electrofishing safety procedures
• Respond effectively to an electrofishing-related field incident
• Conduct standard emergency response procedures
• Define crew size and structure
• Identify key factors influencing electrofishing in the field
• Identify and determine crew roles and responsibilities
• Conduct equipment checkout procedure(s) prior to beginning a field session
• Identify key fish habitats and best strategies to capture fish as a team
• Respond appropriately to potentially dangerous scenarios
• Communicate effectively with field crews and the general public
• Identify types of electrofishing field programs
• Identify and minimize fish impacts
• Practice safe and efficient fish sampling and handling

Prerequisites

A current and valid WorkSafeBC approved Electrofishing Certification and an approved Level One First Aid course (containing a CPR component) are also required for all practitioners conducting electrofishing field work.

NRTG is the leading provider of electrofishing training in Canada. Since 1994, NRTG staff have successfully trained more than 10,000 Canadian industry practitioners in the practice of safe and effective electrofishing. NRTG personnel are highly respected and recognized leaders in the delivery of backpack and boat electrofishing certification training.

Who attends?

Course participants typically include current fisheries field technicians and biologists, other environmental professionals requiring electrofishing recertification or “refresher” training, resource workers, individuals new to the industry and graduates of other natural resource-related programs.

How do I attend?

This course is available for individual registration via our website schedule page, or on contract to organizations/community groups. Are interested in a contract delivery of this course? If so, please contact us.

What should I bring or supply?

Leak-free chestwaders with non-slip footwear (felt, cleat or rubber soled wading shoes or wader boots), field binder with waterproof paper, appropriate field clothing, bag lunch and refreshment each day.

Please ensure your wading equipment is free of invasives and Whirling disease. More information is found here.