Freshwater Monitoring Protocols

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Freshwater Monitoring

If your stewardship organization collects temperature and flow data during extreme drought conditions, download the monitoring protocols below for practical support.

Local First Nations and stewardship groups across B.C. collect invaluable data on stream temperature and flow, which can inform salmon conservation and management decisions. To integrate these efforts and help drive action for salmon, PSF has released new resources covering best practices for every budget and capacity level.

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— MARC PORTER, PSF SCIENTIST

Much of the freshwater data collected by community-led monitoring groups in B.C. is not being used effectively. Even small improvements in the way data is collected can make the difference and ensure that this information is accepted by agencies. Then, it can be compiled, shared, and integrated into salmon management decisions and emergency interventions. That distinction matters for the communities investing time and resources into this work, and for the salmon that rely on timely monitoring and interventions when habitat conditions deteriorate.

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EXPLORE PROTOCOLS

Review the suite of monitoring protocols and identify approaches or tools that fit your watershed, budget, and capacity.

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ADAPT MONITORING

Use these resources to make adjustments that improve data quality and ensure your observations can be integrated into province-wide efforts.

SHARE DATA

Submit your data to contribute to salmon management decisions and help fill critical information gaps across B.C. and the Yukon.

Why monitoring protocols?

Monitoring groups across the province operate with different budgets, different technical capacities, and different priorities. These protocols are designed to reflect that reality.

These protocols support data contributions to PSF’s Stream Temperature Database and PSF’s Pacific Salmon Explorer (PSE), consolidating stream temperature and flow records from over 1,500 monitoring sites across B.C. and the Yukon.

Standardized, comparable data helps partners:

  • Inform real-time emergency response decisions
  • Support salmon habitat restoration and recovery planning
  • Build a long-term record of potential climate impacts on salmon habitats

MONITORING PROTOCOLS

Water Temperature Monitoring

Water Level Monitoring

Discharge Monitoring

Supporting References for Monitoring of Stream Temperatures and Flows

CONTACT US
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If your organization monitors stream temperatures or flow conditions in salmon-bearing watersheds, we want to hear from you.

Reach out to mporter@psf.ca to ask questions, share feedback, request support, and more.

News and Updates

PSF launches drought reporting tool

Warm stream temperatures and low flows are two significant drought factors that can make habitat unviable for returning adult salmon and juveniles, with potential to affect their survival and reproductive success. PSF needs your assistance in…
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B.C. forecasts provincial drought this summer. How can we help salmon survive?

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As the province warns of “long-term, significant drought” this summer, impacts on salmon are imminent. While those exact impacts are to be determined, PSF and partners seek innovative, cost-effective solutions to help salmon adapt.
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Emergency funding to protect salmon after spring floods in the Skeena Watershed

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The Pacific Salmon Foundation has provided $23,700 in funding to support three time-sensitive habitat rehabilitation, fish salvage, and infrastructure repair projects in response to recent flood events across B.C. Unseasonably warm weather…
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