2. General Considerations

2.1 Preparing to Go to the Field

Preparation for each sampling trip is critical since oversights are not usually noticed until staff reach the first station. The most effective way to prepare for a sampling trip is with a checklist that is designed to meet the requirements of each project. Other than considering site-specific instructions, the checklist should identify the following needs:

· Type and number of (labeled) bottles, including extras

· Field equipment such as sediment grabs, invertebrate samplers, fish nets, tow nets, etc.

· Preservatives

· Appropriate quantity of ice packs and coolers

· Log books

· Personal gear (for all possible weather conditions such as survival suits, raincoats, protective footwear, etc.)

· First aid kit and other safety equipment (life jackets, survival suits)

· Camera or video equipment as required

· Laboratory requisition forms (partially filled out)

A general operating procedure is to have the essential equipment in a box or plastic "tote" which is dedicated to this activity. See Appendix 1 of this chapter for an example of a generic checklist.

2.2 Locating the Site in the Field

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It is the responsibility of the field staff to locate all sampling stations accurately. Only if the same location is sampled consistently can temporal changes in the water quality be interpreted with confidence. Therefore, accurate station location descriptions (that identify key landmarks) must be prepared on the first visit to every sampling site. Good photographic documentation is the best way of ensuring that each site is easily recognized. It is essential that each site be referenced by watershed code. The User's Guide to the British Columbia Watershed/Waterbody Identifier System, Version 2.1 (RIC 1997) describes the process of identifying the appropriate codes. As well, a map that labels the sample sites should accompany the site identification log book. This log book can be in the form of a 3-ring binder with a 1:50 000 map. The basic site location data (latitudes, longitudes, map sheet number, watershed code, site identification number, etc.) should be incorporated into the database (EMS in the case of BC Environment). GPS is rapidly becoming the standard for location in the field and this technology should be used whenever it is available.

2.3 Field Notes/Observations

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Good sampling practice always involves the use of detailed field notes. Specific information about seemingly unimportant facts such as the time of day or weather conditions are often important when interpreting data. A field log book (3-ring binder with waterproof paper) for each project is mandatory. All field measurements (DO, temperature, conductivity, etc.) should be entered (by date) directly into this field log book. The following list emphasizes those observations that should be recorded for biological variables:

· Site name and EMS code

· Date and time

· Weather

· Names of all the personnel on the sampling crew

· Station depth (phytoplankton, zooplankton, fish)

· Tow volumes (zooplankton) (net mouth size, mesh size, tow depth)

· Surface area sampled (periphyton)

· Fish species collected including sex, weight, length, and comments regarding general appearance (health)

· Preservatives used (for each sample)

All information recorded in the log book should be initialed by the data recorder and entered into the database as soon as possible upon return from the field. The field note book is a very important document and it should be stored as an archival document for future reference.

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