Fish Salvage in Saskatchewan
Fish and construction sites
Fish and construction sites
Fish and construction sites
Once a site is isolated from flowing water (or the main part of a lake), a fish salvage is performed; fish are removed from the work area and released to the lake or downstream area.
Isolation on streams
Fish and construction sites
Fish and construction sites
Before your work starts, the in-water work area is isolated from upstream and downstream fish habitat using nets. Fish are removed from within the work area and released downstream of the nets.
Timing can be important
Fish and construction sites
While not ideal, sometimes work must occur in winter. Fish may still be in the area, and you may still be required to perform a fish salvage and relocate them before in-water work starts. Be aware of acceptable in-water work windows for your area.
Site isolation and fish removal are often a permit requirement
Regulatory approvals may require fish salvage work before construction starts. Permits may require fish be removed from the work area before significant in-water work starts. Read your permit to confirm any fish removal requirements.
Not all fish are game fish
A Scientific Collection Permit from the provincial government is required to handle fish (other than for recreational fishing). A scientific collection permit is required to perform the fish salvage outlined in many permits.
Sauger captured and released as part of a fish salvage program.
Remember - you are required to prevent the death of fish when implementing your project. Due diligence may include a fish salvage. For some small creeks, a well organized construction site can have a fish salvage completed by a small crew within the isolated area in in less than a day.
