MDFW Field Sampling Log Instructions

Please refer to the following instructions to complete the "Biological Survey of Waters: Fish Sampling Log" datasheet. The instructions follow the datasheet section by section and will help make data entry and interpretation easier and more consistent.

1. Date and Location Information:. This information is crucial since, while in the field, it is the only way to keep all the data gathered at one site separate from other sites. These fields should be repeated identically on the Fish Sampling Log, the Length Frequency Sheets, and the Voucher Collection bottle. Use the following conventions when writing the information on the data sheets:

Date: use 00/00/0000 format. Waterbody Name: use the full name of the waterbody, include the "river", "stream", "lake", "pond", or "reservoir" designation. Town: include the town(s) in which the sample was conducted. Location: write in any verbal descriptions that will clarify the location of the sample. Distance, upstream or downstream, from road crossings are particularly useful. Other geological features found on topographic maps are also beneficial (e.g. USGS gages, high tension lines). GPS Coordinates: Use NAD83 format and decimal degrees (e.g. 42.40776). These settings can be configured on your GPS using the manual provided. Although this might seem redundant with "Location Information," they are both valuable in very different ways.

2. Sampling Gear and Effort: This section lists most of the standard sampling techniques and the variables that we will use to quantify and standardize effort. Some items will be circled,others will require entry of specific numbers. Circle any and all methods used during the sample. For example, if night boat shocking was conducted, circle "Boat Shocking" and "NIGHT." If seining was also conducted, circle that too. The variables for each of the methods should be filled out with the following conventions:

Boat and Barge Shocking (the variables are listed as the same since most of our units are now Smith-Root and boat and barge units record the same variables): Seconds are the number of seconds that power is generated and is taken from the timer on the unit. Amps are recorded from the meter and will vary during the course of the sample, record the average amperage observed. Range refers to High or Low and should be recorder as an H or L in the blank. % of Range refers to the setting on the box Titled "PERCENT OF." Read the percent off the scale and enter it in the blank. PPS and Mode refer to the Pulses per second and AC or DC current. This dial is on the bottom right of the Smith-Root box and will read " 120 DC" or "60DC", etc.

Backpack Shocking: These variables are taken from the backpack and stream measurements. Seconds are the number of seconds that power is generated and is taken from the timer on the unit. Length refers to the number of meters of the stream that are shocked. Amp meters are found on some backpacks and the reading will vary during the sample and as the probes get closer/further apart. Record an average amp reading from the meter. Set the Volts by using the dial on the side of the backpack. Frequency and Width refer to pulse frequency (number of pulses per second) and pulse width. These are also set with dials on the side of the shocker. In general, these should always be set to “I” and "5."

Seining: Record the length of the seine being used (in meters), whether or not the seine has a sown-in bag (circle y if it does, N if it does not) and the number of seine hauls conducted during the sample.

Gillnetting: Circle DAY,NIGHT ,or OVERNIGHT, fill in the blanks for average net length, the number of net sets (if you set 3 nets 2 times, there were 6 net sets) and the average set time (if you set 3 nets for 2 hours and 3 nets for 4 hours, then the average would be 3 hours), and mesh description (most of the new nets are 1 to 2" experimental mesh).

3. Data Collected: These fields will give us an idea of what other data sheets and forms will accompany the cover sheet. For Fish Information, place a check in the box for each parameter that is measured and list the species for which data is gathered. after "spp" on the line. For example, if only LMB's are weighed, place a check in the box after "Weight" and list LMB on the following line. We have used two types of EPA Habitat Forms. Check the box next to each form used. Water Chemistry Information can be recorded on this form in one of two ways. If a profile is conducted in a lake, pond, or reservoir, check the box next to profile and then fill out a water chemistry data sheet. If Surface water information is gathered on any waterbody, check the box marked "Surface" and then enter as many parameters as possible on the following lines. If No Fish Were Collected during the sample, please check the box that indicates that the sample effort resulted in no fish.

4. Crew. Simply write in the last names of the crew members in the fieJd at that site.

5. Comments. Any Comments can be added to this section that relate to sampling efficiency (e.g. "water very high/turbid, efficiency was low") or key habitat characteristics (e.g. "large culvert prevents fish passage," or "heavily channelized reach).

6. OfficeUse: The Sample ID and SARIS/PALIS numbers will be entered in Westboro as each sample that gets entered is sequentially assigned a unique number.