ONTARIO STREAM ASSESSMENT PROTOCOL TRAINING

Ontario Stream Assessment Protocol Training Course

Learn how to apply the Ontario Stream Assessment Protocol (OSAP) techniques!


This course trains you in standardized methods to evaluate habitat, hydrology, geomorphology, invertebrates, and fish communities in wadeable streams. Methods include the field components of the Ontario Benthos Biomonitoring Network protocol and the historic Level I electrofishing methodology.


Ontario Streams, in conjunction with the OSAP steering committee, offers this course in May-June each year. This course is intended for students and professionals who will be involved in stream surveys. It creates an understanding of stream ecology and the interconnectedness of riverine processes and how important it is to measure these characteristics consistently and repeatably.


The methods taught in this course are provincially recognized as standards by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and federally recognized by Fisheries and Oceans Canada.


Course fee: $1,250 + HST


Who should attend this course?

This course is intended for field crews and resource managers who are involved in stream surveys and management.

The focus is on ensuring consistent application and understanding of the methods.

Is this a one-day course or a multi-day course?

This is an intensive 5-day course (running from Monday to Friday), with classroom and field sessions. There is extensive preparation reading and viewing of course materials that is also required.

Students will receive a list of lectures and videos to be viewed upon registration. Failure to study these materials before the course will severely hamper students’ ability to learn these methods.

Most days will consist of:
A morning overview, travel to a stream site, demonstrations of techniques, supervised application of one or more modules, review of field sheets, and debriefing.

Participants should also expect some evening work.

Are meals and accommodations included in the registration fee?

No.

Participants are expected to arrange their own transportation, meals, and accommodations for the duration of the course. These expenses will not be reimbursed.

After registering, participants will be given information for on-site accommodation options that they may book for the duration of the course.

Will equipment be provided for fieldwork?

Instructors will provide one velocity meter and one electrofisher, and some equipment that is unique to OSAP methods.

Participants are expected to bring as much of their own equipment as possible for the field components of this course. Non-breathable chest waders are essential.

Students will be matched to maximize opportunities for equipment sharing. Crew contact information will be shared prior to the course to enable students to coordinate equipment sharing.

A full list of necessary equipment will be provided after registration. Instructors may have spare equipment for participants, with limited availability.

What personal items do I need to bring?

Please bring:

1. Long pants and socks long enough to tuck in - waders can cause disagreeable blisters in the heat
2. Sun protection (e.g. hat, sunscreen)
3. Insect protection (e.g. DEET or Icaridin repellents)
4. Adequate water and food for each day
5. Non-breathable chest waders
6. Polarized sunglasses

Will I get a copy of the OSAP manual?

A physical copy of the OSAP manual will be provided to registrants that have requested one on the first day of the course. The price for the physical copy is $60 + HST.

Should you wish the hard copy to be sent to you before hand, contact the course administrator. Otherwise, your pre-course reading and viewing list will be provided to you upon registration.

An electronic version of the manual, and other reference materials are also available for free below. The electronic copy allows you to quickly access and search for information while in the field.

How will my completion of the course be recognized and is there a certificate that recognizes my skill level?

Starting in 2026, participation in the course will be recognized in two ways.

The first is that all students that complete each module will receive a letter indicating your successful participation in the field component for each module that you attend.

Second, in the near future, once completed, there will be an opportunity for students to challenge an online test to receive certification in their modules of choice. If successful they will receive a certificate that recognizes their skill and would qualify them as being proficient in that methodology and able to be recognized as a crew leader.

I am registering for several people at once.

Please register each person individually so we have the appropriate name and contact information to send the course details.

Do you offer student rates for this course?

No.

Unfortunately, we cannot offer any discounts for the OSAP course to students.

I don't/my organization doesn't have a credit card or PayPal account. How can I pay?

Complete your registration and then please contact info@ontariostreams.on.ca.

Can I cancel my registration?

A $50.00 cancellation fee will be applied to any cancellation received before Friday, May 1, 2026. No refunds will be given for any cancellations received after this date.

In order for this course to run we will require a minimum of 12 participants to register; the deadline to meet this registration threshold will be Friday, May 22, 2026. If the requirement is not met by this date, the course will not run. If the course is cancelled, a full refund will be issued.

To make a cancellation, please contact info@ontariostreams.on.ca.

Do you offer benthic or fish identification courses?

Not at this time.

While these courses have been offered in the past and students have been able to challenge the test of their identification skills, none are planned for 2026.

If you are interested in being added to a waiting list, please email info@ontariostreams.on.ca

Reference Materials


Check out TRCA's collection of Ontario Stream Assessment Protocol training modules. Select the icon in the top right of the frame to view the full playlist.

The Ontario Stream Assessment Protocol (OSAP) contains a series of standardized methodologies for identifying sites and evaluating benthos, fish communities, physical habitat and water temperatures in wadeable streams. The OSAP provides standard methodologies that allow data to be shared, used for multiple purposes and stored in a common database.

The materials provided in this manual are intended to compliment the procedures described in the Ontario Stream Assessment Protocol by providing advice on study design and interpretation of results.

The Flowing Waters Information System (FWIS) helps Ontario’s conservation practitioners to manage information on flowing waters or streams, including data about fisheries, benthos, habitat and more. View the Introduction to the Flowing Waters Information System video.

See below for our Spring 2026 Training Session!


Contact info@ontariostreams.on.ca if you experience any issues. 

Every Ontario Streams program you are involved in supports

the conservation and rehabilitation of streams and wetlands

through Ontario Stream's projects.


Thank you for your support!