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Manitoba/Manitoba Hydro Coordinated Aquatic Monitoring Program

The Coordinated Aquatic Monitoring Program (CAMP) represents a coordinated effort between the Government of Manitoba (Manitoba) and Manitoba Hydro to implement a long-term, systematic and system-wide aquatic monitoring program across Manitoba Hydro's hydraulic operating system in Manitoba. CAMP was designed to document the environmental condition of these waterways and facilitate a better understanding over time of the environmental effects of hydroelectric operations. The program spans eight regions and includes monitoring at more than 40 waterbodies and river reaches. Components monitored under CAMP include hydrology, water quality, sediment quality, phytoplankton, benthic macroinvertebrates, fish populations, invasive species, and mercury in fish. Aquatic habitat surveys are also conducted annually at selected waterbodies.

NSC's role in the project:

• Assisted in study design and sampling protocol development. Study design has been adaptive, and incorporates periodic revisions to refine and improve the program.
• NSC has assisted with implementation of the field sampling including aquatic habitat surveys and water quality, sediment quality, phytoplankton, benthic macroinvertebrate, fish community, and mercury in fish monitoring since program initiation in 2008.
• Sample processing and analysis (benthic macroinvertebrate samples and fish ageing structures).
• Data processing and analysis.
• Production of data for website reporting.
• Production of aquatic habitat maps and posters.
• Production of three-year technical reports.
• Regular review of data, including quality assurance/quality control results, and import of data to a database.
• Attendance and participation at annual workshops.