Fish Salvage in Saskatchewan

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

A fish salvage is a controlled operation to safely capture and relocate fish from an area that will be impacted by construction usually in a fish-bearing water (although a salvage may also be needed if work occurs near a fish bearing water, depending on the nature of the work.). It's a regulatory best practice in Canada and often required under the Fisheries Act to avoid harming or killing any life stage of fish.

Here’s a simplified step-by-step outline of how a fish salvage is typically conducted as part of a construction project:

1. Planning and Permitting

• Determine if fish are present in the project area (via fish inventory, historical records, or habitat assessment).
• Apply for permits (e.g., Scientific Fish Collection Permit from provincial authorities).
• Prepare a salvage plan outlining methods, timing, equipment, and personnel.

2. Site Isolation

• Install coffer dams, sandbags, or sheet piles etc. upstream and downstream to isolate the work area from flowing water.
• Ensure bypass pumping, lined bypass channel or flume is set up to maintain downstream flow and prevent sediment release. Maintaining downstream flows will always be required. Shutting flows off kills downstream fish – this is also prohibited.

3. Fish Capture Techniques

Use multiple methods depending on conditions:

• Seine nets – dragged through shallow pools or along lake shores to encircle/ capture fish.
• Dip nets – used in very small, confined or shallow areas, or to chase fish from cover.
• Minnow traps – passive method left in place overnight. Does not catch big fish.
• Electrofishing – effective in most habitats, including vegetated waters, but must be done by trained personnel. It has limits though – it loses effectiveness after about 4 feet of water depth, maybe shallower depending on the equipment.

4. Fish Handling and Relocation

• Handle fish gently with wet hands or gloves to avoid damaging protective slime.
• Identify, count, and record species (especially if species-at-risk may be present).
  • Permits require accurate species       identification and counting.
• Transfer fish immediately to the release site. Several trips may be required. If they cannot be released immediately, move them in aerated buckets or containers to the safe release site, upstream or downstream, away from the construction zone.
• Release them into similar habitat conditions when possible (e.g., same water temperature, flow, and cover).  

5. Dewatering (if needed)

• Once fish are removed, pumps can be used to dewater the isolated area.
• As water levels drop, continue checking pools and puddles for stranded fish using dip nets or buckets.
• Re-sweep the area as water levels drop.  

6. Reporting and Follow-up

• Document the methods used, number and species of fish salvaged, location of release, and any moralities. It is a good idea to record basic water quality parameters as part of the salvage program. Data return as required on the permit may ask for this information. 
• Submit reports to relevant provincial and federal regulators as required.  

Key Best Practices

• Time salvage to avoid sensitive periods like spawning or fry emergence.
• Ensure all staff are trained in the techniques used, and that at least one person has good fish identification skills.
• Minimize the time fish are held in containers or transported.