Through the Lens with Colton Johnstone: Week One

August 13, 2018

Week 1:  July 23rd to July 27th, 2018

My name is Colton Johnstone and my six-week Environmental Visual Communications job placement with Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) consists of capturing photo and video content on a wide variety of environmental monitoring activities. In my first week on the job, I was invited to shadow the nighttime waterfront fisheries surveys, which take place every July and October for two week stretches. For me this was a little nerve-wracking as it was my first time bringing my camera gear out on a boat.

Selfie taken from a Go Pro camera aboard the R.V. Ken Higgs

Last Wednesday evening, I spent a late night aboard TRCA’s Research Vessel Ken Higgs, capturing the environmental monitoring team recording fish species found in and around Toronto Harbour. The vast majority were Alewife because of our proximity to the downtown core. The very large Common Carp we caught presented more of a challenge when it came to processing as they weighed in at over 6 kilograms.

Large Common Carp being lifted for processing

I did my best to stay out of the way, which proved difficult on such a busy boat. With each delivery of fish, the team identified, weighed, measured and recorded each one before releasing them safely. The team works like a well-oiled machine to process such a large number of fish and stay on schedule. Each team member had a responsibility that was performed in cooperation with the others.

TRCA Monitoring recording the data being collected

In just one night, I learned about fish identification as well as the process involved with waterfront electrofishing surveys.  Night photography on a boat proved to be challenging but it was a great experience.  From out on the lake, the lights of the city are mirrored off the water creating an interesting visual effect that I tried to capitalize on. My first week with TRCA was action packed and very exciting, leaving me pumped to see what I will be working on next. Make sure to tune into next week’s blog post to see more photos and videos from my placement!

Toronto’s cityscape during nighttime electrofishing surveys