For a proposed metal-mine development in a remote region of northern British Columbia, Hatfield designed and undertook a multi-year baseline study of aquatic resources, focusing on fish habitats, fish populations, and population genetics in streams and lakes near the proposed development. Our innovative approaches to baseline description included:
- Quantitative fish habitat assessments in lakes and streams of various sizes, using a mix of sampling methods.
- Determination of fish populations, population genetics, migration patterns, and critical habitats, using mark-recapture studies, a two-way fish fence, hydroacoustics-based population surveys, microsatellite-based genetic testing, and spring and fall spawner surveys.
Results of the baseline study were used as the basis of a comprehensive environmental assessment of this proposed mine development, and as a basis of fish habitat compensation planning.
