Mid-Canada Chapter

Letter from Canadian Society For Ecology and Evolution to Minster for Fisheries and Ocenas Canada re: changes to Fisheries Act

Tom — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 20:15:04 +0000

19 March 2012
The Honourable Keith Ashfield
Minister of Fisheries and Oceans
200 Kent Street
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0E6
Dear Minister Ashfield,
I am writing in my capacity as President of the Canadian Society For Ecology and Evolution (CSEE). The 1000-strong membership of the non-partisan CSEE includes ecologists and evolutionary biologists from across Canada.
The concerns expressed here are made on behalf of the CSEE. They are informed, in part, by the responsibilities I exercised as Chair of the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC; 2006-2010) and as Chair of the 2012 Royal Society of Canada Expert Panel Report entitled Sustaining Canada’s Marine Biodiversity: Responding to the Challenges Posed by Climate Change, Fisheries, and Aquaculture.
The CSEE has very grave concerns regarding the Government of Canada’s proposed changes to Section 35(1) of the Fisheries Act. Specifically:
1. The CSEE is concerned that the proposed changes were not informed by a full and appropriate consideration of the best available science;
2. The CSEE is concerned that the proposed changes will prevent Canada from fulfilling it national and international commitments to sustain biodiversity; and
3. The CSEE is concerned that the proposed changes will prevent Canada from fulfilling its legislated responsibilities under the Species at Risk Act.
Each of these concerns is elaborated upon briefly below.
Firstly, there is no evidence to suggest that the proposed revision to the Fisheries Act was based on an appropriate level of consultation with, and advice received
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from, DFO’s Science Sector. According to the DFO website, “science is the basis for sound decision making. DFO Science Sector provides information on the consequences of management and policy options, and the likelihood of achieving policy objectives under alternative management strategies and tactics.”
DFO’s website further notes that the incorporation of science in decision making is provided through a rigorous peer review process built on the Government of Canada’s Framework for Science and Technology Advice: Principles and Guidelines for the Effective Use of Science and Technology Advice in Government Decision Making which states:
“Science advice has an important role to play by contributing to
government decisions that serve Canada’s strategic interests and
concerns in areas such as public health and safety, food safety,
environmental protection, sustainable development, innovation, and
national security.”
Based on the assumption that your decision was not made in violation of departmental or government policy, the proposed revisions to Section 35(1) of the Fisheries Act must have been informed by advice received by DFO’s Science Sector. In the interests of transparency and accountability, and in the interests of Canadian society, we respectfully request that the science advice received in this regard be made publicly available without delay.
Secondly, the proposed changes to the Fisheries Act will be considered an abrogation of Canada’s global ocean and freshwater stewardship responsibilities.
The CSEE notes the conclusion by the Royal Society of Canada’s Expert Panel that “Canada has fallen well short of the progress made by most developed nations in fulfilling national and international commitments to sustain marine biodiversity” and that “many targets and obligations to conserve and to sustainably use biodiversity have not been met by Canada”.
The proposed changes to the Fisheries Act will severely impair Canada’s ability to protect species and their habitat and will, thus, further reduce the likelihood that Canada will fulfil its national and international biodiversity commitments.
Thirdly, it is well-established in the scientific literature, and articulated in Canadian government policy and statute, that the protection of species habitat constitutes the most effective means of ensuring that species do not become extinct. The Species at Risk Act (SARA), for example, acknowledges that “the habitat of species at risk is key to their conservation”.
The proposed elimination of existing habitat protection provisions in the Fisheries Act will severely impair Canada’s ability to fulfil its legislated obligations under SARA to prevent the extinction of aquatic wildlife species.
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In the interests of all sectors of Canadian society, we request that you withdraw the proposed revisions and maintain the current wording of Section 35(1) of the Fisheries Act.
Yours sincerely,
Jeffrey A. Hutchings
President, Canadian Society For Ecology and Evolution
Professor, Department of Biology, Dalhou

JOB Posting – Senior fisheries biologist, Canada West

Tom — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 17:40:46 +0000

AECOM’s Environment Group across Canada West, is currently seeking Senior Fisheries Biologists to join their growing team. We are professional openings in our Winnipeg, MB, Calgary, AB, Edmonton, AB and Burnaby, BC offices.

Responsibilities:

• Identify emerging markets and business opportunities with existing and new clients;
• Provide supporting and leadership roles in fisheries and aquatic ecology technical work involving fisheries sampling programs and surveys, ecological restoration, biological impact analysis for EIAs, and habitat compensation for multi-disciplinary teams;
• Performing fish habitat assessments/compensation or monitoring for bridge crossings, outfalls, road improvements, municipal development projects, oil and gas exploration and mine development;
• Write effective proposals with input from others in the proposal team;
• Provide supervision and mentoring of intermediate and junior staff through on-the-job training and project work;
• Effectively manage and coordinate projects as a technical lead or project manager;
• Write and deliver high quality reports, which may include: field reports; permit applications; compensation plans; sustainability/restoration plans; environmental impact assessments; land/watershed plans; management plans; etc.
• Develop appropriate marketing materials and strategies;
• QA/QC of reports.

Qualifications:

• B.Sc., M.Sc. in fisheries biology, aquatic ecology or a related field;
• Registered or eligible for registration with the Alberta Society of Professional Biologists;
• Expertise in aquatic habitat and fish ecology;
• Minimum of 10 years in field biology and ecology;
• Previous experience in consulting is essential;
• Knowledge of provincial and federal acts, regulations, policies and guidelines;
• Proven leadership and superior communication (verbal and written) skills;
• Strong reputation for ecological expertise, and capable of developing good client relationships;
• Ability to deliver top quality projects on time and on budget.

ACCESS TO GREY LITERATURE

Tom — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 21:46:38 +0000

Dear AFS member: The peer-reviewed fisheries scientific literature is abundant and AFS publishes a significant portion of it. In recent years, AFS, through its Fisheries InfoBase, has provided access to published peer-reviewed literature going back to 1872. What has been missing is access to the so-called “gray literature”–publications of government agencies (state/province, federal, international) and other organizations that is usually not included in the journal or book literature. And yet that information is not only pertinent but often of high quality and wide utility.

To address that gap in the information spectrum, AFS is launching its Fisheries Reports, a searchable database of abstracts, authors, and links related to these reports. If you are the author of such a report or know about it, please consider submitting it to Fisheries Reports, either directly (see instructions in attachment) or through the moderator at farasha@farashaeuker.com.

RIVER DISCHARGE MEASUREMENTS UNDER ICE

Tom — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 19:22:50 +0000

February 21 – 23, 2012
Edmonton, Alberta
North American Stream Hydrographers (NASH) and Canadian Water Resources Association (CRWA) are hosting a workshop on the use of hydro-acoustic velocity meters and profilers for conducting river discharge measurements under ice conditions. The workshop will be held in Edmonton, Alberta between February 21-23, 2012. Content will be field oriented focusing on obtaining measurements using a variety of instruments including the Sontek FlowTracker, Ott ADC, ADCPs (Sontek and TRDI), and the standard Price current meter. Procedures for conducting field measurements will be presented followed by one field day of measurements. The workshop will conclude with a review of the results and lessons learned over the course of the event.
Attendees should have some familiarity with river discharge measurement procedures. A basic understanding of hydro-acoustic technologies would be an asset. The workshop is targeted at hydrometric practitioners from government, private sector, academia, manufacturers and suppliers wanting a better understanding of winter flow measurement techniques. Every attempt will be made to tailor the content of the workshop to meet the needs of the attendees. The registration fee is $300 and attendance will be restricted to 30 participants. Contact Carol Lett for details: email Carol.Lett@ec.gc.ca
Each participant will be responsible for their own expenses (travel, meals and accommodations) and proper field attire for conducting outdoor work in cold weather conditions.
Agenda
Tuesday Feb 21

LOCATION: University of Alberta
1:00 pm – Welcome
- Measurement Overview
- Hydro-acoustic Applications
2:30 pm – Break
3:00 pm – Under Ice Measurement Systems
- Shallow Water Measurements
- Deep Water Measurements
- Safety Working on Ice
4:00 pm – Summary and Logistics
5:00 pm – End of day. Wednesday February 22

LOCATION: To Be Announced
8:00 am – OHS and Logistics.
8:30 am – Travel to measurement section
9:30 am – 4:00pm – Conduct measurements
4:00 pm – Review of Day/Logistics
5:00 pm – End of Day Thursday February 23

LOCATION University of Alberta
8:00 am – Compilation of results
8:30 am – Procedure and Data Review
10:00am – Break
10:30 am – Lessons Learned
12:00 am – Wrap Up

2012 AFS Distibguished Service Award

Tom — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 19:21:37 +0000

AFS is also seeking nominations for the 2012 Distinguished Service Award. This award recognizes outstanding contributions of time and energy for special projects or activities by AFS members. The number of recipients may vary. A single member, a group of members, and AFS staff are eligible candidates. Nominations should include description of the outstanding contributions by the candidate(s) and may be submitted electronically via email or as hard copy delivered by mail.

Please canvas your respective Unit membership and encourage them to develop and submit nominations by the January 31, 2012 deadline. Details for the Distinguished Service Award and information on other AFS awards are available at http://www.fisheries.org/afs/awards/awards_call. You can also contact Gail Goldberg, AFS awards coordinator, at ggoldberg@fisheries.org, or 301-897-8616 X 201 for more information about the Society’s awards.

Nominations should include the candidate’s name, full contact information, biographical information and/or history of the nominee’s service (not to exceed 3 pages) to the Society. Letters supporting the nomination are welcome. Nominations and any supporting letters may be sent electronically via email or as hard copy delivered by mail, or fax (email, in PDF format preferred).

Nomination deadline: January 31, 2012

Contact: John Boreman, Committee Chair

John Boreman, President-Elect
23 Covington Lane
Durham, NC 27712-8967
TEL: (919) 768-7198
Email: jboreman@nc.rr.com

AFS Meritous Service Award

Tom — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 19:19:20 +0000

The AFS is fortunate to have members that deserve to be recognized for their considerable contributions. Please canvas your respective Unit membership and encourage them to develop and submit nominations by the May 11, 2012 deadline. Details for the Meritorious Service Award and information on other AFS awards are available at http://www.fisheries.org/afs/awards/awards_call. You can also contact Gail Goldberg, AFS awards coordinator, at ggoldberg@fisheries.org, or 301-897-8616 X 201 for more information about the Society’s awards.

Contact: Bob Curry, Committee Chair
NC Wildlife Resources Commission
Division of Inland Fisheries
1721 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1721
Phone: (919) 707-0221
Fax: (919) 707-0028
robert.curry@ncwildlife.org

AFS MERITORIOUS SERVICE AWARD WINNERS

1986: Robert F. Hutton 1987: Mercer H. Patriarche
1988: Elwood A. Seaman 1989: Reeve M. Bailey
1990: Carl R. Sullivan 1991: Arden J. Trandahl
1992: Mary R. Frye 1993: Kenneth Carlander
1994: C. Richard Robins 1995: Christine M. Moffitt
1996: Nick C. Parker 1997: Gerald R. Bouck
1998: Lee C. Redmond 1999: John G. Boreman, Jr.
2000: Billy J. Higginbotham 2001: Dick Ryder
2002: Larry Olmsted 2003: John Ney
2004: Carolyn A. Griswold 2005: Stan Moberly
2006: Christopher Goddard 2007: Paul J. Wingate
2008: Roger A. Rulifson 2009: Joe Margraf
2010: Fred A. Harris 2011: David W. Willis
2012: TBD

Job Opportunity

Tom — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 22:49:12 +0000

Seeking Fish/Aquatic biologists with 1-3 years (M.Sc.) and/or 3-6 years (B.Sc.) years experience / Limnologist (M.Sc.) with 5 years experience

Because we anticipate an expanded work load in 2012, our consulting firm is searching for the RIGHT candidates going into 2012 and beyond!

For the field we are seeking enthusiastic, physically and mentally fit, motivated individuals who enjoy both field and office work to join our team of characters. Ideal candidates will

have traveled extensively locally, nationally, or internationally, camped remotely;
know how to drive a 4X4 truck;
have experience operating at least one of the following and preferably more than one: ATVs, Argos, skidoos, jetboats, prop boats, RVs, etc.
Candidates should enjoy being on the water and have experience with at least one of the following: know how to net, trap, and electrofish (float, backpack or boat).

You defy biting insects and thrive in sweltering heat and waders, cold and kamiks. Rain, snow and sun all enhance your overall experience.
You are NEAT, have attention to detail and enjoy working with people.
You must be fit, have a sense of humour, be able to work long hours when required.
You have a clean driving record.
You can work in a remote setting for up to three weeks if necessary.

For the office we seek technically competent individuals with experience working in Alberta (preferred but the rest of you lot may be oK, too!). You must understand the AB Provincial Codes of Practice and Water Act, Federal Fisheries Act, Navigable Waters Act, and Species at Risk Act. Project Management skills are an asset to this position. Candidates will be expected to liaise with regulators, attend meetings with clients, ultimately manage projects and grow personally and professionally. You must ENJOY working with people, are unafraid of the telephone and have both excellent written (Queen’s English) and communication skills beyond text messaging (!). If you are looking for a change from the work-a-day-tidal wave, enjoy an ever changing mosaic of projects

Obviously, this is a “wish list and a half”; however, there are no ceilings in this firm, a good fit is everything and individuals with initiative are to be rewarded. If interested in applying, please e-mail your resume in confidence to:

koseen@appliedaquatic.com

Check out our website – www.appliedaquatic.com. We offer a competitive wage, benefit and time off to have a life. This offer remains open until Christmas, 2011.

Only those candidates who we wish to interview will be responded to. GOOD LUCK

Job opportunity

Tom — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 22:15:57 +0000

Director, Fisheries Branch
XM2 Senior Manager 2
Regular/full-time
Manitoba Water Stewardship
Fisheries Branch, Ecological Services Division
Winnipeg MB
Advertisement Number: 25045
Salary(s): XM2 $83,274.00 – $99,540.00 per year
Closing Date: November 30, 2011
Must be physically capable of performing the job functions; Must have a valid Manitoba driver’s licence; Must either have a valid passport or be eligible to obtain a passport and must be able to travel both internationally and interprovincially.
Qualifications:
Manitoba Water Stewardship is seeking a highly motivated individual for the position of Director, Fisheries Branch (for further information on fisheries in Manitoba, please see http://www.gov.mb.ca/waterstewardship/fisheries/index.html and http://www.gov.mb.ca/waterstewardship/fisheries/regulations/pdf/mbfish_2009.pdf).

The successful candidate will have a degree in acquatic sciences, fisheries sciences or a related scientific field, (or an equivalent combination of education and experience) along with senior management experience including strategic planning, program administration, budget planning, staff supervision, policy /program development and implementation. You will have demonstrated competency in both written and verbal communication, leadership, problem-solving and decision-making, collaborative relationship building and organizational management. You will possess excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills with a keen sense of political acumen. Experience working with commercial, and recreational fishers, and knowledge of legislation and policies applicable to the governance of fisheries in Manitoba is required.
Duties:
The Director of Fisheries Branch is accountable for ensuring sustainable management, harvesting, and use of provincial fisheries by planning, organizing and directing all activities related to provincial fisheries including administration of legislation and regulations.

The Director oversees a staff complement of 48 organized into seven sections – two located centrally in Winnipeg and five sections located in regional centres across Manitoba. The Director administers complex programming within an annual budget of approximately $5.018 million.

Reporting to the Assistant Deputy Minister, Ecological Services Division, this is a key senior position providing leadership for the development and implementation of policies and programs governing the management of the commercial, recreational, and bait fisheries in Manitoba. The Director is expected to solve complex problems, often in an abstract environment, calling for novel, non-recurring or path-finding solutions. The Director is accountable for the effective and efficient management, direction, planning, development, implementation and evaluation of all of the Branch’s programs. The Director is expected to communicate closely with senior management including the Assistant Deputy Minister, Deputy Minister, Minister, other Cabinet Ministers, to liaise with counterparts in other provinces, territories and the federal government, and to provide leadership at the national level on issues of importance to Manitoba’s wild freshwater fisheries.
Apply to:
Advertisement #25045
Manitoba Water Stewardship
Human Resource Services
360-1395 Ellice Avenue
Winnipeg MB, R3G 3P2
Phone: 204-945-7182
Fax: 204-948-2841
Email: conshr@gov.mb.ca
Employment Equity is a factor in selection. Applicants are requested to indicate in their covering letter or resume if they are from any of the following groups: women, Aboriginal people, visible minorities and persons with disabilities.
Employment Equity is a factor in selection. Applicants are requested to indicate in their covering letter or resumé if they are from any of the following groups: women, Aboriginal people, visible minorities and persons with a disability.
We thank all who apply and advise that only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.
Your cover letter, resumé and/or application must clearly indicate how you meet the qualifications

AFS Fenske Award Announcement

Tom — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 20:21:01 +0000

2011 Midwest Fish and Wildlife Conference Janice Lee Fenske Memorial Award for Outstanding Students December 5, 7:00 – 8:15 AM Des Moines Marriott Downtown, Des Moines IA 50309 The North Central Division, Iowa Chapter, and Michigan Chapter of the American Fisheries Society and the Iowa and Michigan chapters of The Wildlife Society, in cooperation with the Steering Committee for the 2011 Midwest Fish and Wildlife Conference, are pleased to accept applications from students for the Janice Lee Fenske Memorial Award. Up to 25 outstanding students majoring in fisheries or wildlife management will be selected, formally recognized for their achievements, and invited to attend an exclusive breakfast held during the Midwest Fish and Wildlife Conference in honor of the late Jan Fenske. The breakfast will provide a unique opportunity for students to meet and closely network with many fish and wildlife leaders from around the region. Undergraduate and graduate students who plan to attend the Conference are encouraged to apply. Student finalists will be selected based on academic ability and scholarly achievements. Two of the student finalists, one majoring in fisheries management and one majoring in wildlife management, will be presented with a Fenske Memorial Award that includes a scholarship of $500. The two winners of the Fenske Memorial Award will be selected based on the characteristics that made Jan a remarkable fisheries biologist, including enthusiasm to protect fisheries and wildlife resources through management activities, selflessness and motivation to teach others, interest in professional involvement, and integrity, positive attitude, and compassion. To apply, please submit a resume including your GPA, two letters of recommendation from academic advisors or professionals in fisheries or wildlife management, and a cover letter including future career goals and reasons for attending the Midwest Fish and Wildlife Conference to: Mark Tonello Mark Tonello, Fisheries Management Biologist Central Lake Michigan Management Unit, Michigan DNR 8015 Mackinaw Trail Cadillac, MI 49601 (231)775-9727 ext. 6071 (231) 775-9671 FAX Email: tonellom@michigan.gov Deadline for submission is October 30th. E-mail submissions are preferred, although mail or fax submittals will be accepted. Student applicants selected as finalists will be notified by November 20th.

2011 Excom

Tom — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 20:11:04 +0000

The AFS Mid-Canada Chapter is pleased to announce the executive committee (excom) for 2011 to 2012:

President: Tom Boag, Applied Aquatic Research Ltd., Calgary, AB
Email: president@midcanadaafs.org

Vice-president: Jessica Reilly, Golder Associates Ltd., Edmonton, AB
Email: vp@midcanadaafs.org

Past-president: Cam Stevens, Golder Associates Ltd., Edmonton, AB
Email: past-pres@midcanadaafs.org

Secretary-Treasurer: Margaret Docker, University of MB, Winnipeg, MB
Email: sec-treas@midcanadaafs.org

Communications Officer: Patrick Nelson, North-South Consultants Inc., Winnipeg, MB
Email: news@midcanadaafs.org