Acquiring and Using High-Resolution Thermal Infrared Imagery (TIR) to Identify Critical Coldwater Fish Habitat

Cold water refuges are critical for ensuring the persistence of and conferring resiliency of cold-water fishes in a changing climate. Identifying the location of cold water patches that may be used by these species as refuges is an essential first step in prioritizing restoration actions or implementing protections for these essential fish habitats. The use of aerial thermal infrared (TIR) imagery has proven extremely effective in mapping at large (by helicopter) or small (by drone) spatial extents within rivers and tributaries. 

We plan to bring TIR experts (Dr. Steve Dugdale University of Nottingham, UK; and Dr. Christian Torgersen USGS) to train natural resource biologists, managers, and restoration practitioners for a two-day training workshop, August 7-8, in Fredericton, NB. We will also bring a range of experts like Dr. Carole-Anne Gillis from GINU to highlight possible applications from this technology. The objective of the workshop is to equip our team with the knowledge and understanding required to develop a thermal infrared imaging system to conduct surveys of nearby rivers, including camera platform options, appropriate thermal and optical imaging cameras for image acquisition, and workflows and techniques for analyzing the acquired data.

DATES

August 7-8, 2025

LOCATION

Fredericton, NB

REGISTRATION INFO

Cost: 40$

Places are limited to 45 participants

Snacks and lunch will be provided