This training will demonstrate the WA Department of Fish and Wildlife’s standardized methods for conducting beach surveys and processing samples for surf smelt and Pacific sand lance spawn.  Specifically, this training is designed for biologists who require certification to conduct forage fish surveys for regulatory purposes to comply with conditions of a governing permit such as those issued by WDFW, DNR, or ACoE.

The training will include a virtual classroom component with a presentation and demonstration of field methods and lab techniques, in addition to an in-person component to demonstrate and practice field collection and sample processing. At the conclusion of training, participants will have knowledge of forage fish survey method and reporting requirements, and will be added to the WDFW-managed list of individuals approved to conduct regulatory surveys.

• Participants who will be taking this class for the first time and need to be certified on conducting a forage fish survey must attend the virtual sessions on 9/21 and 9/22 from 9:00 am - 11:30 am and must attend the in-person session on 9/23 from 8:30 am - 12:00 pm (please arrive 30 minutes early to complete check in process) at Richmond Beach Saltwater Park in Shoreline (2021 NW 190th St, Shoreline, WA 98177). 
• Participants who have taken this class in the past and need to be re-certified on conducting a forage fish survey must attend the virtual sessions on 9/21 and 9/22  from 9:00 am - 11:30 am. However, participants who are getting recertified can choose during the registration process whether or not they would like to attend the in-person session on 9/23 from 8:30 am - 12:00 pm (please arrive 30 minutes early to complete check in process)at Richmond Beach Saltwater Park in Shoreline (2021 NW 190th St, Shoreline, WA 98177 ). It is highly encouraged that participants who are getting recertified participate in the in-person session on 9/23.

During the field component, all participants will be expected to follow Washington Department of Ecology’s COVID-19 guidelines at the time of the training. You will likely be asked to complete a health survey 12 hours before the field component and wear a mask. Also, there will be access to a outdoor shelter, but please dress appropriately. (8 AICP CM Credits/CEP Points if you join on the field day and 5 AICP/CM Credits/CEP Points if you just attend the virtual sessions.)

Instructor:  Hannah Faulkner is a nearshore biologist with the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife Habitat Science Team. Her current research interests include monitoring effects of shoreline modification on nearshore habitat, identifying and assessing the distribution and characteristics of forage fish spawning habitat, assessing new methods of detecting forage fish spawn, monitoring the implementation of marine bulkhead HPA permits, and exploring new survey methods and data processing techniques using unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).