Course Description

IMPORTANT NOTICE

First-time students
If you are registering for this programme for the first time, you must register for both ENV 3000 and ENV 3006. To do this, scroll to the bottom of this page and click the Backpack Electrofishing link. On the next page, select the BUNDLE option (shown as a red button on the right-hand side) to complete payment and registration at the same time.

Refresher students
If you are taking Electrofishing as a refresher, please register for ENV 3006 only. The bundle option is not required for your course path.

The backpack electrofishing field component course is for (1) anyone taking the full backpack electrofishing certificate program, and (2) anyone who has previously earned a certificate in electrofishing and is now taking the field component again as a refresher.

Training is overseen by the CRI Training and Professional Development division. 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.

This course consists of the field training portion that counts towards either the full electrofishing course (ENV 3000) or as a refresher course.

After registering, please login and click on “Access my courses” to visit D2L where you an sign the electrofishing waiver and sign up for your preferred date for electrofishing training.  

2026 Backpack Electrofishing Training Field Schedule 

All participants must have completed first aid and CPR training to receive their electrofishing certificate. Participants who are taking this as a refresher course 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

Applies Towards the Following Certificates

• Certificate of Completion in Backpack Electrofishing : Field Component