- Plankton Tows in Lakes, Rivers, Open Ocean
- Beach Seine
- Gill Net
- Bottom Trawl
- Cast Net
- Fyke Net
- Minnow Trap
- Burbot Trap
- Crab Trap
Tissue sampling, also known as biological sampling or biomonitoring, is a technique used to collect and analyze biological samples from organisms in order to assess their health, study their physiology, and monitor the presence of contaminants or pollutants.
The process of tissue sampling involves carefully collecting samples of tissues or organs from living or deceased organisms. The organisms can include animals, plants, or even microorganisms, depending on the specific objectives of the study. The samples are typically obtained using non-lethal methods, such as biopsies or fin clipping for fish, leaf or stem sampling for plants, or blood sampling for mammals.
Tissue samples can provide valuable information about the organism’s biology, physiology, and exposure to various environmental factors. They can be analyzed for a wide range of parameters, including:
Biochemical Markers: Tissue samples can be used to assess the presence of specific biochemical markers, such as enzymes, proteins, hormones, or metabolic byproducts. These markers can indicate the organism’s overall health, response to stress, or exposure to contaminants.
Genetic Analysis: Tissue samples can be used for genetic analysis, including DNA or RNA sequencing, to study the organism’s genetic diversity, population structure, or genetic traits relevant to their adaptation or susceptibility to environmental changes.
Contaminant Analysis: Tissue samples can be analyzed for the presence of contaminants, such as heavy metals, pesticides, or organic pollutants. This helps assess the organism’s exposure to environmental pollutants and potential risks to their health or the ecosystem.
Stable Isotope Analysis: Tissue samples can be used for stable isotope analysis, which provides insights into the organism’s diet, trophic position, or migration patterns. This information can help understand food webs, ecological interactions, and ecosystem dynamics.
Tissue sampling is widely used in ecological research, environmental monitoring, and wildlife management. It helps scientists and researchers understand the impacts of environmental changes, assess ecosystem health, detect pollution hotspots, and study the effects of contaminants on organisms and ecosystems.
Proper protocols and ethical considerations are followed during tissue sampling to minimize harm to the organisms and ensure the collection of representative and reliable samples. Researchers often collaborate with experts in veterinary medicine or ecology to design and conduct tissue sampling procedures in a safe and ethical manner.
The data obtained from tissue sampling and subsequent analysis contribute to scientific knowledge, guide conservation efforts, support environmental risk assessments, and inform policy decisions aimed at protecting and managing ecosystems and the organisms that inhabit them.
Our staff are trained in general fish health examination, sexing, filleting, otolith, and scale extraction for age determination. We have been certified for boat electrofishing and backpack electrofishing by the Northwest Environmental Training Center in Seattle, Washington. Additionally, staff have been trained by Hydroacoustic Technology Inc., in the principles of acoustic fish tagging and tracking.