Solution
Beacon regularly conducts assessments of aquatic habitats and fish communities with a particular focus on Ontario’s freshwater habitats.
Staff are certified and experienced in use of the Ontario Stream Assessment Protocol, Headwater Drainage Feature Assessments and Class I and Class II electrofishing. Staff are also trained and experienced in the operation of specialized fish sampling equipment, including Beacon’s backpack electrofishing units and electrofishing boat.
Beacon is also qualified under the Ministry of Transportation Registry, Appraisal and Qualification System (RAQs) for fisheries assessments and monitoring.
Beacon has the demonstrated ability to design sampling programs tailored to specific project needs and routinely conducts aquatic habitat surveys, aquatic Species at Risk habitat assessments, fish community assessments, benthic invertebrate sampling, water quality sampling and channel morphology assessments.
Staff also have extensive knowledge and experience navigating and negotiating permits under the applicable policies and regulations such as the Federal Fisheries Act, Endangered Species Act, Conservation Authorities Act and Navigable Waters Protection Act.
Expertise
- Aquatic habitat assessments
- Headwater drainage feature assessments
- Aquatic species at risk surveys and habitat assessments
- Fish and benthic invertebrate surveys
- Approved fish, reptile and amphibian salvage
- Reviews and authorizations under the Fisheries Act, Species at Risk Act and Endangered Species Act
- Application of Department of Fisheries and Oceans habitat alteration assessment tool
Qualified on the Ministry of Transportation RAQs for:
- Fisheries assessment
- Environmental inspections during construction
- Construction monitoring and fisheries compliance during construction
