Over the past two decades several scientific methods have been used to try to estimate Horsefly River spawner abundance and distribution. Historical methods used to provide an index of spawner abundance include a habitat capability estimates, fry and yearling density estimates and a resistivity counter fence.  Historical methods did not give an accurate estimate of spawner numbers and spawner watershed distribution.   Acoustic telemetry has been used in assessing several recreational fisheries to estimate in lake survival, catch and release mortality rates and exploitation:  all measure of interest in managing a fishery.   This was a first attempt to use acoustic telemetry to assess the spawning population and distribution of Horsefly River rainbow trout. The information was needed to assess effectiveness of current regulations on Quesnel Lake and inform habitat management decisions on the Horsefly River (main tributary to Quesnel Lake) which is a fisheries and temperature sensitive stream. This talk is co-sponsored with the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation.

The Natural Resources & Environmental Studies Institute (NRESi) at UNBC hosts a weekly lecture series at the Prince George campus. Anyone from the university or wider community with interest in the topic area is welcome to attend. Presentations are also made available to remote participants through Zoom Webinar. Go to http://www.unbc.ca/nres-institute/colloquium-webcasts to view the presentation remotely.

Past NRESi colloquium presentations and special lectures can be viewed on our video archive, available here.