top of page

Training & Education

We are fortunately able to provide a number of training courses on that are essential for aquatic restoration in Nova Scotia. Courses are provided on behalf of Adopt-a-Stream.

 

We are also able to host educational sessions on aquatic ecology and restoration for groups. We have experience working with universities, naturalist clubs, and schools, engaging with participants of all ages.

DSC05187.jpg
DSC05150.jpg
Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) Assessments

Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) Assessments are a key part of in-stream restoration. Surveys are conducted to collect data on a watercourse to determine if restoration is needed and what methods will be most beneficial. After restoration is completed, HSI assessments are used to monitor the changes caused by restoration.

​

HSI assessments are conducted using the Nova Scotia Fish Habitat Assessment Protocol (NSFHAP), which was developed by Adopt-a-Stream to assess Atlantic salmon and brook trout habitat in Nova Scotian waterways.

​

During the 2-day training, participants will go over the NSFHAP field sheet, what data are collected during surveys, and how to interpret it. Training includes a field session where participants will conduct an HSI assessment on a nearby watercourse.

Watercourse Installer's Certificate for Aquatic Restoration

The Watercourse Installer's Certificate for Aquatic Installation is an essential part of in-stream restoration in Nova Scotia. The course will demonstrate how to construct the most common in-stream structures including digger logs, deflectors, and rock sills.

​

Every crew installing in-stream structures in Nova Scotia is required to have at least one member with a Watercourse Installer's Certificate, however it is beneficial for all crew members to attend training.

​

Training includes both an online and in-person field session. The online portion will cover different types of restoration used in Nova Scotia, how to install structures, and regulations to follow during restoration. During the field session, participants will install a digger log.

DSC08833.jpg
DSC08947.jpg
Aquatic Connectivity Assessments

Aquatic connectivity is the ability for fish to move throughout a watershed without barriers, such as culverts or dams. Assessments are used to determine whether or not a culvert is impeding fish passage and, if it is, what forms of remediation can be used to improve it. Assessments can also be used to prioritize restoration areas, sections above large barriers won't be utilized by migratory fish until passage is improved.

​

Assessments are conducted using the Aquatic Connectivity Crossing Assessment developed by Adopt-a-Stream.

​

Training includes an online portion and an in-person field session at a nearby culvert.

Atlantic Salmon & Brook Trout Redd Surveys

Redd counts are an easy, economical, and effective tool for salmonid population monitoring. Low redds counts can indicate poor habitat, lack of spawning substrate, or downstream barriers to fish passage. Higher redds counts can highlight the success of restoration efforts.

 

Surveys involve simply walking a measured stretch of river, counting the number of salmon and trout spawning sites, and calculating the density of redds per 100 meters. Additional information such as GPS coordinates and length, width, and depth may also be collected.

IMG_3720_edited.jpg
HHP-Salmon2024-07360.jpg
Other Education

If you belong to a community group or school and are interested in our work, we would be happy to host an educational session or take participants out for a day in the field - whatever suits your groups needs best. Sessions we've held in the past include

  • Habitat Suitability Index assessments in the field

  • Atlantic salmon life history and ecology

  • Redd surveys

  • In-stream structure installation

bottom of page