ENV 3004 - Refresher Backpack Electrofishing
Course Description
Backpack electrofishing training is overseen by the CRI Director, Dr. Jen Lento and CRI Operations Manager, Kayla Wallace and supported by the CRI Training and Professional Development division. The refresher course instructors are David Blanchard and Kayla Wallace. The electrofishing program and certificate is recognized by the federal department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) as an accepted backpack electrofishing training course. Electrofishing certificate recipients should re-certify within every 5 years to refresh their skills and update their certificate.
Electrofishing is a commonly used fish collection method in streams, rivers, and lakes. Although not legislated in most provinces in Canada (except for BC and ON), electrofishing training provides employers with evidence of due diligence and provides trainees with adequate knowledge of the risks and safety features of these machines.
The Electrofishing Refresher course consists of the field training portion of the Full Electrofishing Course (ENV 3000) only, and therefore, students are not required to complete the online portion.
2025 Backpack Electrofishing Training Field Schedule
| Date | Time | Location |
| June 5 | 9:30 am - 1:30 pm | Fredericton, NB |
| July 10 | 9:30 am - 1:30 pm | Fredericton, NB |
All participants must have completed first aid and CPR training to receive their electrofishing certificate. Participants must also provide evidence of previous electrofishing training. The preference is for this to be completed prior to the electrofishing course so certificates can be provided immediately.
Field Training
Field training sessions are normally scheduled for 4 hours running from 9:30 am - 1:30 pm. Please bring water and a bagged lunch or snacks. The field training session begins with a presentation of the equipment and a safety review (located at the Hugh John Flemming Forestry Centre, 1350 Regent Street, Fredericton, Room 222) before heading out for the in-water portion of the training at Corbett Brook (parking lot across the road of 440 Wilsey Road, Fredericton).
Please bring the following to the in-water portion on the field training:
• Non-breathable chest waders
• If available, a lifejacket or personal flotation device
• If available, polarized sunglasses and a brimmed hat
• Water
You may also want sunscreen and/or bug spray depending on the conditions.
Learner Outcomes
• Electrofishing safety guidelines
• Field procedures and techniques
• Recommended standard operating procedures
The Canadian Rivers Institute is using the services of the University of New Brunswick’s College of Extended Learning to increase the quality and efficiency of program registration and delivery of this CRI Training and Professional Development program's signature course. For enquiries, please email unbcricourses@unb.ca