Electrofishing Online Training & Field Practicum
Dates: May through September
Location: Fredericton, and wherever demand is sufficient (minimum 5 participants for field part)
Instructor(s): Dr. Michelle Gray, Mark Gautreau
Fees: (backpack Electrofishing only - see bottom of page for Boat Electrofishing training options).
| Full Training (online and field practicum) | Refresher (field only) | |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time student/First Nations/NGO | $375 | $200 |
| Professional | $500 | $200 |
Previous CRI/UNB Backpack Electrofishing certificate recipients should recertify every 5 years to refresh their skills and update their certificate.
Two part non-credit certificate course
1. Online course
Background instructional and examination materials accessed through Blackboard (web-based learning management system) - completed online and independently prior to practical session
General outline:
- What is electrofishing?
- Why electrofish?
- Electrofishing theory
- Impacts of electrofishing
- Electrofishing safety guidelines
- Field procedures and techniques
- Recommended standard operating procedures
2. Field practicum - backpack and boat training available
~ 4-hour field session (backpack), full day (boat)
- General outline:
- Introduction to practicum instructor(s)
- Overview of electrofishing unit components
- Overview of safety features and precautions
- Field demonstration
- Standard operating procedures
- Participant operation of electrofishing unit and evaluation
Prerequisites
- current First Aid and CPR certificate
- participants may take their First Aid/CPR training after the Electrofishing training is complete but will not receive their Electrofishing certificate until proof is provided
Learning Outcomes
After successful completion of the online portion of this course, participants will be able to:
- identify the various parts of a backpack electrofishing unit by appearance and by function
- list the personal safety gear that each member of the electrofishing crew must wear
- understand the safety standards that must be taken to efficiently and safely operate a backpack electrofishing machine
- understand the conditions under which electrofishing should and should not be undertaken
- understand how to modify the settings of the electrofishing unit to ensure effective fishing under varying circumstances
- understand how to properly treat and handle fish to minimize stress and harm
After successful completion of the field practicum portion of this course, the participants will be able to:
- attach electrodes (anode and cathode) and install battery in backpack electrofishing units
- understand the safety standards that must be taken to efficiently and safely operate a backpack electrofishing machine
- identify safety features on the backpack electrofishing unit and demonstrate their uses
- put on the backpack electrofishing unit and properly operate the machine to collect samples
Evaluation criteria
Participants are required to complete the final online test which consists of 25 questions (multiple choice, matching, true/false). Each participant must pass the final test with a minimum of 80% before proceeding to the field practicum portion of the course. Participants must complete, and successfully pass the test, a minimum of 24-hours before their scheduled field practicum.
Participants will be given three chances to pass the final test, before being required to contact the instructor to discuss any difficulties.
Benefits of online training
The online training will be provided using Blackboard, an e-learning management system. Blackboard will allow for:
- Discussion forums with peers and training experts
- Self-tests and quizzes which give immediate results for more effective learning
- Access to a glossary of terms
- Access to information at any time of the night or day
2012 Electrofishing Field Practicum Schedule
| Location | 2012 Date(s)* |
|---|---|
| Fredericton, NB | May 25, June 22, July 27, Aug 17 |
*other dates locations will be added throughout the season based on demand (min 5 participants needed to run a field practicum)
Additional field practicums are possible across Canada** based on demand and minimum participation (in order to re-coop travel costs of instructor) - contact the CRI Training Coordinator to discuss possibilities.
**note: our course is not recognized by the BC Workers Compensation Board for training for BC residents
This course is recognized by DFO as an acceptable backpack electrofishing training course. Register as soon as possible to ensure timely and sufficient access to the online materials before the field practicum.
Note: To discuss options for boat electrofishing training, please contact the CRI Training Coordinator.
Other Training Options
| TRAINING LEVELS |
Canadian Dollars |
|---|---|
| Backpack OR Boat Electrofishing. Online training course $350, and field practicum $150 | $500 |
| Backpack OR Boat Electrofishing. Online training and field practicum. NGO/First Nations/CRI Student Rate | $375 |
| Backpack AND Boat Electrofishing (taken at the same time). Online training course $500, and field practicum $300. |
$800 |
| Backpack AND Boat Electrofishing (taken at the same time). Online training course and field practicum: NGO/First Nations/CRI Student Rate | $600 |
| Backpack Electrofishing Refresher Certificate. Field practicum suggested after 5 years. | $200 |
Participants must recertify every 5 years -field practicum only, to refresh their skills and update their certificate.
Contacts and Registration
Questions about training, questions about registering...
Michelle Gray, PhD
CRI Director of Training and Professional Development
Questions about payment and receipts...
Barbara MacInnis
College of Extended Learning
