Identification of Freshwater Fishes

Overview | Agenda | Schedule | Registration | Course Objectives | Certification and Examination | Prerequisites | Personal Equipment Requirements | Course Fees | Course Schedule | Credit Options | Arranging a Delivery in Your Community

Overview:

This one or two-day, laboratory-based course is a very practical introduction to the identification of both salmonid and non-salmonid freshwater fish species common to a given province*. Using identification keys, participants will complete practical identification exercises to key fish to both species and family level. Other topics reviewed include: classification, voucher sampling, identification key design and use, threatened/endangered species, and life history and distribution information.

Note: The one-day course contains less review of non-salmonid species.

* This course will be tailored to include fish species common to the province in which the course is delivered.

Class vs Field:

Class: 1.0 or 2.0 days; Field: no field session(s)

Agenda:

Day One	Day Two
Introduction Basic fish anatomy Design and use of identification keys Identify regional salmonid and non-salmonid fish species to family and species level.	Review of non-salmonid identification Non-salmonid identification (e.g., lamprey, sturgeon, minnows, sculpin, stickleback) Preparing a voucher specimen Threatened (red-listed) and vulnerable (blue-listed) fish species in Canada Course review

Course Schedule:

Course schedule information is available here.

Registration:

Registration information is available here.  

Course Objectives:

This lecture and "hands-on" course focuses on using preserved and live specimens to give participants an opportunity to practice their identification skills.

Certification and Examination:

This one and two-day course does not include an examination process.

Prerequisites:

No formal prerequisites exist for this course.  Ideally, participants are working in or have experience in the fisheries field.

Personal Equipment Requirements:

Participants are responsible for their own classroom supplies (pen or pencil and paper), and should be dressed appropriately for a laboratory-based training session. Sensitivities to isopropyl alcohol (40% concentration) and formalin (10% concentration at most, usually none used in classroom) should be identified.

Vancouver Island University staff will provide all classroom-related supplies and equipment, including; course manuals, laboratory supplies, biological sampling equipment, and preserved fish specimens.

Course Fees:

Course fees will vary by location. Please refer to the course schedule or contact the NREP Manager for further information.

Course Schedule:

Course schedule information is available here or by contacting the department at 250-740-6155.

Certification and Examination:

This two-day course does not include an examination process.

Credit Options:

Successful completion of the Fish Identification course will serve as credit towards completion of the a number of NREP Certificate programs.

Arranging a delivery in your community:

Groups and/or individuals wishing to set-up a delivery of this course in their community can do so by contacting:

Darren Hebert, NREP Manager
Phone: 250-740-6377
Fax: 250-740-6480
email: Darren.Hebert@viu.ca

It is recommended that groups consider the following: 

• Recruit and ensure course participants (minimum of 10-12 required);
• Complete a contractual agreement to finalize delivery particulars;
• Apply for and retain a fish collection permit for 2-3 accessible streams; and
• Coordinate and arrange classroom facilities (appropriate seating, lighting, heating, as well as an overhead projector and chalkboard or whiteboard).