Smithers STREAM Training Practicum

The 2-day field practicum will be held in Smithers, BC June 24 & 25.

STREAM (Sequencing the Rivers for Environmental Assessment and Monitoring) DNA, is a new community-based project which involves the collection of samples for eDNA metabarcoding analysis from rivers across Canada. STREAM is a collaboration between Living Lakes Canada (LLC) World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Canada, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) and the University of Guelph. The project is collaborating with interested partners including community and water stewardship groups, academia, Indigenous communities, all levels of government, and industry to collect data for stream health.

Living Lakes Canada CABIN field course with Dene Kayeh Institute & Guardians.

This project uses an updated version of the Canadian Aquatic Biomonitoring Network (CABIN) protocol, developed by ECCC to collect samples using biomonitoring of benthic invertebrates, or the small animals on the bottom of the stream. Benthic invertebrates are strong indicators of water quality since the small organisms included in that group are highly sensitive to pollutants and other changes that impact aquatic ecosystem health.

For more information on levels of training, costs (price varies depending on level of certification), modules and other training locations visit the Canadian Rivers Institute.

Participants will be certified in the traditional CABIN protocol and learn new eDNA collection techniques.

Participants will be supported to collect bulk DNA samples in their watersheds for the STREAM project post training.

To register: email Raegan Mallinson (raegan@livinglakescanada.ca)