In the Traditional Territory of the Tsay Keh Dene and in the Ingenika River Watershed, two species of the highest conservation concern are the Arctic Grayling and the Bull Trout. The stunning beauty of the valley, both above and below the water, is under threat as we are losing our pristine wilderness at an alarming rate in British Columbia.

Chu Cho Environmental and the Tsay Keh Dene Nation, with the financial support of the Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program, have been monitoring the Arctic Grayling population in the Ingenika River for the past six years through snorkeling surveys. Biologists John Hagan, Mike Stamford and Cody Haggard, who have been working with the program, are interested in learning about the conservation status of the Arctic Grayling population and its critical habitats in the summer.

The team performs downstream snorkeling surveys wearing dry suits and using data sheets to record counts of the fish and other species they encounter. To learn about critical habitats, they measure certain aspects of the physiology of the fish, including length, weight, age, and genetics. The team also uses tags to improve the accuracy of the surveys and releases the fish back into the river unharmed.

Conserving sensitive wildlife and fish species, such as the Arctic Grayling in the Ingenika River Watershed, is crucial for preserving the critical habitats they depend on. The snorkeling survey project undertaken by Chu Cho Environmental and the Tsay Keh Dene Nation is an important step in ensuring the future of this stunning and biologically rich area.