Skip to content

Notifications

Government mail service may be affected by the Canada Post labour disruption. Learn about how critical government mail will be handled.

Popular topics:

Alberta.ca Account
Part of Assessing fish populations

Lake surveys

Explore the various lake fish population survey methods and learn how each contributes to fish species conservation in Alberta.

Explore pages in:
Lake surveys

Introduction

Lake surveys measure Alberta’s fish populations for:

  • abundance (number of fish)
  • structure (ages and lengths)

As different fish species have different behaviours, different methods are required to get an unbiased sample and assessment of the integrity of fish populations.

In focus

Photo of a man in boat measuring a northern pike as part of a fish population survey estimate.
Lake surveys - Overview

Fisheries biologists use lake surveys to gather information and assess the status of fish populations.

Photo of Provincial fisheries employees standing a boat conducting a Fall Index Netting lake fish population survey.
Fall Index Netting

The Alberta government uses Fall Index Netting (FIN) to monitor walleye and northern pike populations.

Photo of a man in a boat setting out a net for a lake fish survey.
North American Standard Index Netting

This lake survey method uses standardized nets to assess Northern Pike, Walleye and other fish during the summer months.

Photo of a woman sitting at the prow of a watercraft conducting a lake fisheries survey.
Summer Profundal Index Netting

Fisheries biologists use Summer Profundal Index Netting to gather information and assess the status of lake trout populations.

Resources

Fish Sustainability Index

Contact

Connect with Environment and Protected Areas Outreach Services team:

Hours: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Email: [email protected]

Back to Assessing fish populations
Next Lake surveys - Overview