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Formatting and Instructions:

Snorkel Survey (Rapid Bio-Assessment (RBA)) Data Templates

These templates contain the core data elements that are typically collected when snorkel or rapid bio-assessment (RBA) surveys are conducted. A metadata dictionary is included also; it explains the terms used for both techniques.

Starting Up

When you open the template, a switchboard will come up with the database behind it. Use the switchboard to navigate the database for data entry. The switchboard provides access to the main data entry form (SurveyLocation), a page for entering stream information, and access to the lookup forms. Descriptions of each table and form are provided in the Database window behind the switchboard.

This Access database has been developed to be as simple as possible, while still retaining the design components that make databases so useful. There are four main data tables which hold the information collected during spawning surveys. They are: Fish, Pool, SnorkelEvent, and SurveyLocation. The remaining tables are lookup tables. To view the relationships (thus how the database was designed) click on the relationships button on the toolbar.

Lookup Tables and Forms

The lookup tables all begin with “Lk”. Data contained within the lookup tables is utilized by the main data tables and forms as dropdown choices. With the exception of the LkStream table, all lookup tables have been pre-loaded. For most lookup tables there are three fields – an ID number, the choice, and an abbreviation. In a few tables there is a fourth field, which further describes the choices; and in other tables the ID and the abbreviation may be the same.

You may also wish to add choices to the dropdown options that better fit your particular project. To add a choice, utilize the lookup forms. These lookup forms (all beginning with Lk, like the lookup tables) have been created to facilitate the addition of new choices in the lookup tables. Open the appropriate lookup form from the switchboard and scroll through the choices already loaded. If your choice is not there, click the “Add Record” button and enter the new information to the right of the arrow; choosing a new ID and entering the appropriate information. (0 is reserved for “Not Recorded” or “None”, while 98 and 99 are reserved for“Other” and “Unknown”, respectively). The abbreviations have been created for use on field forms.

Loading the LkStream Table:

The LkStream table will hold only the streams that you survey. The LkStream table is the lookup table for the Stream field in the SurveyLocation table and the main data entry form. You will want to enter the streams you survey into this table. Although none of the fields are required in the LkStream table (except the StreamName field), the other information may be helpful for you at a later time. If you want, you can just enter your stream names into the LkStream table…if you would like to include the other information; further steps are outlined below.

LLIDStream Table

Download the LLIDStream table from the Data Clearinghouse website ( Copy the LLIDStream table and paste it into your database, calling it LLIDStream (pasting structure and data). Say “Yes” to replacing the empty LLIDStream table that is currently present in the database.

The LLIDStream and LkStream tables are identical, with the exception that the LkStream table is currently empty and the LLIDStream is preloaded with a list of 1:100K scale streams and water bodies in Oregon. If you know the stream name and the waterbody the stream is a tributary of, then you can simply search for your stream and copy and paste the information into the LkStream table. The StreamID is a unique identifier (called LLID), usually 13 digits, that identifies an individual stream, point, standing water body, or other location. With the LLID Stream table open place the cursor in the StreamName column, then choose Find from the Edit Menu on the Toolbar. Type your stream into the Find What box and change the Match box to “Any or part of field” and then click “Find Next”.

If your stream is at a scale where it is not included in this table, please contact NRIMP staff for assistance identifying or creating the LLID. Another resource for locating and identifying streams is ODFW’s GIS Data Explorer ( Click to make the “Streams” layer active (layers are on the right-hand side, Streams are near the bottom). Although the “Streams” layer is active, it is not currently visible. Zoom in (~ four times) until you reach a scale where the “Streams” layer is visible and features can be selected. Choose the “Find” tool (binoculars) and enter the name of your stream.

Once you have the stream name, choose “Enter Stream Information” on the switchboard. Open the “Stream” and “LLID Stream” tables. With the LLID Stream table open place the cursor in the StreamName column, then choose Find from the Edit Menu on the Toolbar. Type your stream into the Find What box and change the Match box to “Any or part of field” and then click “Find Next”. In this way you can find your streams. Then copy this information to the Stream table. You can now choose your streams from the Stream dropdown box on the Main Data Entry Form (SurveyLocation).

Entering Data

From the switchboard, choose Main Data Entry Form. Enter data from the top to bottom, starting with the Survey Location Information. Each section is linked to the previous section through relationships that are hidden on this data entry form. Use the buttons to navigate through survey locations, surveys and to add new locations and surveys. The Fish/Redd sections work just like a spreadsheet.

After your data has been entered, you can go on to create queries and reports that will provide you with the information needed for your project.

Adding Data Elements

If you collect data elements other than those listed within these templates, please feel free to add them, and label them as you wish but, please do not delete data elements for which you do not collect information; just leave them blank. To add new data elements you will need to enter these fields into the appropriate tables, and reconfigure the data entry form. If you have little or no experience manipulating Access database, then make a backup of the database and seek help. Microsoft has a basic tutorial online that can be accessed through the Help menu. There are also many books and online sources that you may find helpful.

Metadata

Metadata for each field is located within the table design and can be seen at the bottom of the Access Window when you click in a field. Metadata is also provided below.

SNORKEL SURVEY (RBA) DATA INFORMATION:

Survey Location Information:

Stream: The name of the stream being surveyed. Select the stream name from the Stream Name and LLID Database.

GCA: Gene Conservation Area (defined by Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife) where the snorkeling survey occurs.

Survey Length (m): Length of survey, in meters

Start Latitude (in decimal degrees):The Latitude at which the sampling begins, in decimal degree format (00.0000).

Start Longitude (in decimal degrees):The Longitude at which the sampling begins, in decimal degree format (000.0000).

End Latitude (in decimal degrees):The Latitude at which the sampling ends, in decimal degree format (00.0000).

End Longitude (in decimal degrees):The Longitude at which the sampling ends, in decimal degree format (000.0000).

Survey Information:

Date: The date the survey is conducted. (MM/DD/YYYY)

Time: The time the survey is conducted. (hh:mm, 24-hour clock.)

Crew/Snorkelers: Names or initials of the crew and/or snorkelers

Weather: Weather at the start of the survey, if weather changes significantly; add additional choices in the Comments section.

Stream Flow: Stream flow conditions during the survey

Comments: Additional information that is pertinent to the survey.

Pool Details:

Pool #: Sequential number of pools surveyed from beginning of survey until end of survey.

HabitatType: Type of physical stream habitat that is surveyed.

Pool Length (m): Length of pool surveyed to the nearest 0.1 meters.

Pool Width (m): Width of the pool surveyed to the nearest 0.1 meters.

Pool Depth (cm): Depth at deepest part of the pool, to the nearest centimeter

Pool Visibility: The visibility within the pool, taking into account the water clarity and the amount of cover within the pool

Fish:

Species: Species observed within the pool

Count: The number of an individual species observed within the pool surveyed.

Comments: Additional information about the individual fish.