2016 Alberta Fish Rescue

2016 Alberta Fish Rescue: For more than a decade, Trout Unlimited Canada has partnered with Alberta Environment and Parks to conduct an annual fall Fish Rescue to save fish trapped in draining irrigation canals with the help of our amazing volunteers and partners.

To date over 880,000 fish have been rescued and returned to their home waters!

This project is funded by Alberta Environment and Parks (AEP). This year, TUC is looking for volunteers to help with Fish Rescue efforts a three canals, as part of our annual Fish Rescue program: a one-day event at the Women’s Coulee Diversion (WCD), a two-day event at the Carseland Bow River Headworks Canal (CBRHC), and a two-day effort at the Lethbridge Northern Irrigation District Canal (LNID). The dates and details for these rescues are outlined below.

Each rescue requires varying amounts of volunteer effort, and the total space for volunteers for each event reflects this. We limit the number of attendees for each event to ensure that those who are able to attend have a meaningful and safe experience.

Please keep the number of spaces you register for at a reasonable number, including only those who are fully committed to attending and partaking in the rescue for the chosen day. If you register and can no longer attend, please let us know so we can offer the opportunity to another volunteer.Please keep in mind that many of our volunteers have been helping with this event for more than a decade, and as such, may be relied upon to complete certain tasks like dip-netting, more often than other volunteers.

Each year, the Fish Rescue draws a lot of great volunteers. For this reason, we would ask that in the event you cannot make it to the rescue – please cancel your ticket as soon as possible so we can accommodate other volunteers who may be waiting for their chance to participate.

Where to Meet?

Women’s Coulee Diversion Canal

Sunday, October 2nd. 08:00 – 16:00 Carseland Bow River Headworks Canal

Saturday, October 8th and Sunday, October 9th 08:00 – 16:00 Lethbridge Northern Irrigation Canal

Tuesday, October 11th and Wednesday, October 12th. 08:00 – 16:00

Please visit Google Maps for all of the 2016 Alberta Fish Rescue locations.

Volunteers should bring the following:

1. Clothes for any and all weather conditions (rain gear, warm change of clothes, hat or toque, gloves, jacket)

2. Sturdy, comfortable boots or shoes

3. Rubber boots, or shoes, that you don’t mind getting wet

4. Waders or hip boots if possible (THAT DO NOT LEAK)

5. Lunch and snacks for yourselves

6. Water to drink (we will supply coffee, hot chocolate, juice boxes and a jug of water)

7. Your own reusable mug and water bottle

8. If you bring a dog, they must be on a leash at all times

You may also want to bring:

1. Camera

2. Sunglasses

3. Mittens or gloves (Please check the forecast)

What to Expect?

During the day you will be a crucial part of the rescue, helping Trout Unlimited Canada staff and other volunteers to:

1. Fill and carry buckets of water

2. Help transport fish from the canal to the processing area

3. Identify sportfish and non-sportfish

4. Measure sportfish and larger non-sportfish

5. Record Data

6. Transport fish to the holding tank

7. Save fish!

To register for the 2016 Alberta Fish Rescue please visit our Eventbrite registration page.

Every year, the Fish Rescue draws a lot of great volunteers. For this reason, we would ask that in the event you cannot make it to the rescue please cancel your ticket as soon as possible so we can accommodate other volunteers who may be waiting for their chance to participate.

Questions?

If you have any questions or concerns about the Fish Rescue, feel free to contact Elliot Lindsay, Project Biologist.