Harbour seals and sea lions (pinnipeds) are known to hunt salmon in the Courtenay River near Kus-kus-sum. Seal hunting activity is common and well documented in that area, but sea lions are far less common, and their activity near Kus-kus-sum is not well understood. Anecdotal evidence suggests that seals use the steel walls at Kus-kus-sum to herd and catch salmon, thereby increasing fish predation in this important salmon migration corridor. By comparing pinniped presence and behavior at Kus-kus-sum before and after the wall is removed to nearby intact marsh habitat, the impact of the wall on their hunting success can be better understood. This will especially be important to demonstrate how restoration of Kus-kus-sum will reduce the predatory impacts of pinnipeds on salmon populations. 

Project Watershed will schedule training sessions throughout the year. Training is not required to make observations, however we encourage volunteers to attend at least one session so you have a chance to ask questions and see the full protocol in person.

Supplies

• Paper data sheet (link to datasheet)
• Pencils (pens ok, but pencil recommended)
• Time piece: watch, phone, etc. You need to record the exact start and stop times at each observation site
• Binoculars (not required, but highly recommended)
• A camera to photograph your datasheet (your phone is easiest; you can do this after you finish the observation exercise).
• Reflective vest (not required, but highly recommended)

Safety

• Never approach wildlife. If you observe an injured animal or suspect animal abuse, please call MARS Wildlife Rescue at (250) 337-2021 or (250) 897-2257 (after-hours).
• Follow all pedestrian and traffic laws, such as using designated crosswalks and parking in designated areas.
  • Please stay on designated paths and walkways to avoid the risk of slips and falls into the river.
  • Be mindful of and courteous to bicycles, joggers and pedestrians along paths and sidewalks.
  • Be visible and predictable, especially on shared bike paths and bridges. Reflective, high-vis clothing is recommended for working on the bridge.
• Bring water, snacks, hats/sunscreen, or extra layers to keep yourself comfortable during your monitoring session.
• If you are making observations alone, please let someone know where you are, and what time you expect to return.

Before you head out

There are 8 sites where pinnipeds are observed along the Courtenay River. Observations are made for exactly 10 minutes at each site. Even if there are no pinnipeds at the site, please observe for the full 10 minutes – this is important for standardizing all of our data.

Observers should scan upstream and downstream to watch for pinnipeds, and record the number of animals observed and their activities. Descriptions of different behavior types are available in the dropdown section below labeled “Behaviors”.

Once you arrive at each site:

1. 1. Orient yourself to the observation site when you arrive. Identify landmarks where your observations will start and stop.
   2. Fill out your datasheet with your name(s) and date. If you are working pairs, we suggest that one person monitor facing “upstream,” and the other person monitor facing “downstream.” If you are making observations by yourself, you will have to monitor in both directions by scanning the full length of the observation area for the 10-minute period.
   3. Fill out the environmental data for the site before you begin the timed monitoring. Please record temperature real time from the nearest weather station.
      • • Note: You can look up tide height information when you are back at a desktop (i.e., not in the field).
   4. Position yourself where you will make observations. You should observe each site for exactly 10 minutes – we suggest setting an alarm on your smartphone to keep track of the time. Make sure you and your partner(s) agree on the minute your 10-minute observation period will begin.
   5. Begin! As you watch the water for pinnipeds, do your best to identify:
      • • The number of individual pinnipeds. Our main objective is to know how many pinnipeds are active in the river, so we don’t want to count the same individual more than once.
        • The number of seals that are engaged in hunting, catching/eating fish, or using the shoreline to catch fish. Each type of behavior only needs to be recorded once per individual pinniped.
   6. Before you move on to the next site, ensure that all data fields are complete, except for discharge data.
   7. Repeat observations at all sites. We strongly recommend taking a photo of your data sheet after you finish monitoring the last site and have entered your discharge data – you will need this for your data upload to Project Watershed.
   8. When you return to Wi-Fi or desktop, please search for the tide heights, then enter all your data into Project Watershed’s online submission portal below.
   9. The form will ask you to upload the photos of your datasheet for Site #1
   10. You can recycle your paper data sheet once your data are successfully submitted.

Thanks for your contributions to citizen science!

Pinniped hunting behaviors & techniques include:

• • Fast movements through the water
  • Abrupt changes of direction
  • Upside-down behavior (swimming while scanning under the water surface)
  • Splashing / flipping out of the water
  • Quick, consistent surfacing events
  • Forming lines across the Courtenay River
  • Herding fish against the river bank or steel walls at Kus-kus-sum
  • Generating a wake by moving quickly through the water
  • Partially leaving the water to capture a fish near the surface
  • “Successful” catches are observations of a pinniped with a fish in its mouth, or actively eating a fish

Non-hunting behaviors include:

• • Swimming slowly or floating, generally just the head is visible (milling)
  • Resting on the riverbank
  • Playing with other pinnipeds (two or more pinnipeds are moving, but don’t exhibit hunting techniques or you don’t see them catching/eating fish)

Why are you monitoring the seals and sea lions?

Seals and sea lions (pinnipeds) are predators at the top of the food chain, so they can have an impact on salmon populations. We want to understand how pinniped hunting in the Courtenay River might be affecting salmon populations throughout the year, especially while we’re completing a large restoration project.

Do I have to survey all 8 sites and/or do they have to be on the same day?

No, but: we strongly prefer all 8 sites to be surveyed, and we strongly prefer that they are all surveyed on the same day. This will ensure we have the most complete and accurate data. Please make every effort to survey all 8 sites, and visit all 8 on the same day.

However, we understand folks have different constraints and time limitations. We’ll be glad to use any observations you make! If you have to cut your observations short, please be sure to observe at sites 5, 6, and 7. Please get in touch if you have concerns.

Do I have to survey the sites in site order (1-8)?

No. But: please record the environmental data for each site during the timeframe you were there!

How long does it take to survey all 8 sites?

Each site must be observed for 10 minutes, plus the time to get between sites and ensure your datasheet is complete at each site. We suggest allowing 2.5 hours to complete the entire monitoring protocol (more time for beginners or folks who like to take their time).

Where do I get the observation data sheet?

Please download a copy from [link]. If you cannot download or print, please contact Virginia East at Virginia.East@projectwatershed.ca

Should I use the paper data sheet or the webform when making observations?

You should use whichever method is most comfortable for you while you’re “in the field.” We strongly recommend using the paper data sheet until you are familiar with the webform submission. The biggest need is to submit the data to the webform within 48 hours of your observations so we can ensure your hard work is counted!

Do you need the paper data sheet after I’m done?

When you submit your data through the webform, you should be prompted to upload photos of your datasheet. Once you have confirmation that your data were submitted, please recycle your paper data sheet.

If you cannot send your photo or data through the webform, please photograph the data sheet and email it to Stefanie.Lane@projectwatershed.ca

What will happen to the data? Will my name or information be made public?

We will use the data to assess changes in pinniped presence, abundance, and hunting success during the Kus-kus-sum restoration project. We will share the data with K’ómoks First Nation to help support their cultural practices and objectives.

Each observation record that you submit receives a random number ID. All personally identifying information (PII) like your name or email address is used only for Project Watershed volunteer communication purposes, and is not shared with the pinniped observation data.