Stock assessment is the process of collecting and analyzing information on the population of a particular fishery species. This data is used to predict the effects of harvest, as well as predicting how future catches and changes in regulation may affect the population into the future. In order to sustainably manage fish populations for future generations, fishery managers need a variety of well collected data.
We have extensive experience collecting, analyzing and reporting juvenile and adult fish demographics using a variety of data collection methods. From visual estimates such as snorkel surveys, to implementing fish counting fences and mark recapture studies, we adapt our methods to suit the budget and needs of a particular program.

Because fish, salmon in particular, are integral to First Nations cultures of British Columbia, we strive to work with local indigenous communities to receive traditional knowledge, and offer capacity building opportunities for Nations developing their fisheries management programs. See our First Nations partnerships page for more info

For works conducted in and around freshwater lakes, streams and wetlands, a Qualified Environmental Professional (QEP) is required to be on site on behalf of the proponent. The monitor’s role is to ensure conformance with environmental legislation through witnessing and guiding construction plans for environmental protection of resources and sensitive ecosystems.

Our staff is trained and experienced in environmental construction monitoring and can be involved from pre-construction planning to post construction monitoring. Monitors liaise with regulators and project crew in the development of Environmental Management Plans (EMP) which define strategies for how to prevent or minimize environmental harm. The purpose of this work is facilitate fish passage upstream and downstream of a project. By investigating seasonal flows, we understand what requirements fish may need at a site which informs recommendations for culverts, arches and bridges.

During construction, we may need to isolate a site to catch and relocate organisms (e.g. amphibians and fish) within the project area. We direct the use of pumps to redirect water flow or to drain turbid water away from the freshwater and guide operators in installation of habitat features such as coarse woody debris and boulder velocity shadows. After construction, we prescribe site rehabilitation measures to speed up re-vegetation of native species (see Habitat Restoration). To show conformance of all regulations, the monitor will provide a report detailed with annotated photographs of equipment and works.

Habitat Banking describes the concept where new habitat is created or old habitat is restored to compensate for the future loss of habitat from unavoidable impacts (thus “banking” compensation habitat for a time when it is needed).

Organizations that create habitat are awarded credits that can be spent on future projects when timelines may be more restricted. Creating habitat is a proactive step that shows that businesses are invested in our collective sustainable future, which in turn is useful for marketing, public relations and corporate responsibility initiatives. Habitat banking ensures that habitat is fully functional before the credits are spent, so that ecological gains are already recorded, not just planned.

Much like financial investing, habitat banking means creating a diversity of habitats or restoring sites of high ecological value. For organizations that choose to purchase habitat credits for projects that impact low ecological value sites, they are ensuring the creation and protection of high ecological value sites in return.

Our software development team has created Tracking Software which provides proponents, habitat banking managers and DFO with access to a central database housing all habitat banking related documentation and transaction records. Through secure, online log-in credentials users are able to access such information as current account status details, account balances, monitoring reports and e-mail history.