6. Fish

6.1 Voucher Requirements

Requirements for fish collection follows the RIC standard entitled Fish collection methods and standards (RIC 1997). Note that slight changes and updates to this manual have been made and published in an errata for this manual (see reference section).

• Voucher specimens are representative samples of species identified in the field, collected and preserved to verify the field identification.
• Only one representative sample of each red/blue-listed species should be collected.
• For species that are neither rare nor endangered, two to three specimen can be collected. These specimen should represent the size variability encountered at the sampling site.
• Any mortalities that occur during fish capture for sampling can be submitted as voucher specimens.

6.2 Data Needs

• Required Fields: Collector's number (field number); Collector's name; Collection date; Detailed location (gazetteered location name as well as Latitude and Longitude (or UTM); Elevation (m) and/or depth (m); Genus; Species; Identifier; Date of identification; Collection method (capture method).
• Minimum label data required: Collector's number; Collection date; Genus species; Location with Latitude and Longitude or UTM.

6.3 Preparation and Care of Specimens

Protocol for fish collection and specimen preservation should follow the RIC standard entitled Fish collection methods and standards (RIC 1997). Note that slight changes and updates to this manual have been made and published in an errata for this manual.

6.4 Museum Accessioning

• Requirements for fish specimen collection and standards for submission must follow the RIC standard entitled Fish collection methods and standards (RIC 1997). The chapter on fish preservation techniques, is extremely useful.
• Samples should be sent by prior arrangement to the Ichthyology Collection, Royal BC Museum.

Royal BC Museum Contact: Kelly Sendall, Invertebrate Zoology Collection Manager

Phone (250) 387-2932 Fax (250) 387-5360

Email ksendall@rbml01.rbcm.gov.bc.ca

6.5 Materials and Costs

Table 5. Materials associated with preparing whole fish specimens.

Item	Specifications	Supplier
Jars	125ml, dim. 51 x 102mm Cat. No. 21749	Anechemia, Richmond, BC
	250ml, dim. 62 x 127mm Cat. No. 21750	Anechemia, Richmond, BC
	500ml, dim. 76 x 145mm Cat. No. 21751	Anechemia, Richmond, BC
Lids	48mm for 125ml jar (1300/box)	Lukian Plastic Closures, Oakville, ON
	58mm for 250ml jar (1800/box)	Lukian Plastic Closures, Oakville, ON
Liners	polyethylene, 45mm for 125ml jar	Premo Plastics, Victoria, BC
	polyethylene, 54mm for 250ml jar	Premo Plastics, Victoria, BC
Fixative	37% formaldehyde	Northwest Labs, Victoria, BC
Preservative	95% ethanol (not denatured)	Stanchem, Vancouver, BC
Label Paper	78 lb. Permafibre	Coast Paper, Vancouver, BC
Vats	can hold 4-40 jars	Ecotainer Sales Inc. (604) 535-7293
Tubs		Custom Plastics, Vancouver, BC (604) 879-2991

6.6 References

Resources Inventory Committee. 1997. Fish collection methods and standards. Version 4.0. Min. Environ., Lands and Parks, Fish Inventory Unit, Victoria, BC.

The above publication is available on the RIC webpage at: http://ilmbwww.gov.bc.ca/risc/Pubs/Aquatic/fishcol/index.htm

Peden, A.E. 1976. Collecting and preserving fishes. Museum Methods Manual #3. Royal B.C. Mus., Victoria, BC. 24 pp.