Join us at 10:00 am (Pacific) on April 17th for the next meeting of the PNAMP Fish Monitoring Work Group (FMWG). During the meeting, we will update participants on current tasks, hear a presentation about innovative fish monitoring, and provide you with opportunities to engage regional managers and experts. These meetings are an opportune time to discuss tasks and get input from members on where they see importance or could use facilitated support.

Tech Talk: WATCH RECORDING

Development of a Mid-Sized River Habitat Sampling Protocol
Tyler Hessler (PhD student in the Missouri Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit in Columbia, MO)

The use of technology is increasing in natural resources field and there is a need to determine how these technologies can be utilized to advance our respective fields. In this study, we propose the use of several advanced technologies (acoustic doppler current profilers, ADCPs; unmanned aerial systems, UASs; side scan sonar; 360 cameras) to better standardize and streamline the collection of fish-relevant habitat data in non-wadeable rivers. UASs and 360 cameras allow for efficient capture of important habitat metrics (canopy cover, riparian land use, etc.) with greater accuracy than traditional observational methods that often include a great deal of subjectivity. ADCPs and side scan sonar have seen use in fisheries but are not used as often as they could be to quickly assess habitat. Although the amount of data these technologies collect can be daunting, the use of AI and other software may streamline the implementation of these data and provide another option for managers that can increase confidence associated with making informed decisions that rely on accurate habitat data. Developing a standardized protocol using these technologies could significantly increase the quality of data collected in non-wadeable rivers and also decrease the costs associated with extended time in the field.

Agenda

• 10:00 – Welcome and Introductions
• 10:05 – Task Updates
• 10:20 – Tech Talk
• 11:10 – Q&A
• 11:30 – Adjourn

Click link below to join on April 17th

Never been to a FMWG meeting? This meeting is a perfect time to learn about the project, join in, and help guide future work.

Missed a previous FMWG meeting? Check out our YouTube page for presentations or task meetings.

The PNAMP Fish Monitoring Work Group (FMWG), meets quarterly to discuss task progress, share expertise through guest presentations, and support collaboration, communication, and coordination among fish monitoring practitioners for effective monitoring and efficient data sharing. The FMWG is also interested in your work; if you would like to present your innovative fish monitoring ideas or any recent publications at a future meeting please contact Meg Dethloff, mdethloff@usgs.gov