Canadian Seed Growers Association (CSGA) Audits

• AAE is authorized by CSGA to perform Breeder Seed Quality Management System audits. All plant breeders producing Breeder seed must have a QMS that is audited every 5 years.
• AAE can also work with plant breeders to write, prepare or update their QMS manuals.

AWSA- Agrichemical Warehousing Standards Association Audits

• AAE is authorized to audit facilities for the following codes. Each code must be audited every 2 years.
• NH3 Anhydrous Ammonia Code of Practice.
• Agrichemical Warehouse Standards
• Accredited Seed Treatment Operation Standards

We are experienced working with industrial and commercial partners to ensure compliance to environmental regulations, acquiring appropriate permits, and outlining potential environmental impacts of proposed development projects. We are also experienced at performing Phase I and II environmental site assessments in accordance with the Canadian Standards associated to assess the existence of, or potential for site contamination.

WETLAND ASSESSMENT AND CLASSIFICATION

AAE has the equipment and the experience to meet your wetland assessment needs. Classification and delineation of wetlands is often required by provincial governments as part of license applications and approval processes if wetlands are to be drained or altered. AAE uses accurate methods, based on the Stewart and Kantrud wetland classification system, and state-of-the-art technology to assess and classify wetland habitat. Aerial surveys using our Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, combined with our partnerships and expertise in botany, hydrology and species of concern provide valuable knowledge and accurate wetland classification.

PHASE 1 AND PHASE 2 ESA

An Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) investigates the potential for, or the existence of site contamination based on non-intrusive tech-niques. Phase I ESA’s are preliminary site inspections aimed at identify-ing areas of concern for future testing, while Phase II ESA’s generally involve sampling of water, air, soil, building materials or other compo-nents for potential contamination based on concerns identified during Phase I investigations. AAE Tech Services Inc. is experienced in con-ducting both Phase I and Phase II ESA’s following standard operating procedures developed in accordance with the Canadian Standards Asso-ciation (CSA).

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) and Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) are conducted and developed to inform project manag-ers and decision makers on the potential environmental impacts re-sulting from any proposed works. AAE is experienced in conducting EIA’s and developing EIS’s for a variety of private, commercial and industrial projects throughout Canada.

REGULATORY APPROVALS AND PERMITTING

Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) and Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) are conducted and developed to inform project manag-ers and decision makers on the potential environmental impacts re-sulting from any proposed works. AAE is experienced in conducting EIA’s and developing EIS’s for a variety of private, commercial and industrial projects throughout Canada.

FEASIBILITY ASSESSMENTS

Understanding the feasibility of a given project is a critical aspect of the design, planning and implementation process and involves taking environ-mental, budgetary and risk considerations into account. Feasibility assess-ments often require thorough analyses of environmental conditions and potential impacts resulting from proposed works, regulatory requirements, cost estimates, risk assessment frameworks and evaluating project design alternatives. AAE has the expertise necessary to assess the feasibility for a broad range of projects and to provide assessments and recommendations that are accurate, practical and effective.

LABORATORY SERVICES

AAE is involved in various projects that require fish processing. We have a state-of-the-art laboratory equipped with a -80°C freezer, microscopes, vacuum seal for cryogenic seals, and more. Staff have been trained to perform analyses including species identification, morphometric assessment, sex and maturity assignment, otolith removal, preliminary microplastic work, and stomach content removal. Preliminary processing of biological samples was also performed for stable isotope, contaminant, fatty acid, DNA, and energetics analysis.

FISH PROCESSING

We have experience processing small to large fish from marine and freshwater habitats. Ranging from Sculpin in the Beaufort Sea to Pike in small lakes. Some projects include the Canadian Beaufort Sea Marine Environmental Assessment, identifying Arctic species and taking several samples for fatty acid analysis, stable isotope analysis and DNA. Mackenzie River Salmon Research looking at spawning salmon from the Northwest Territories, taking fin clips, tissue samples and other morphometric data. As well, full dissections for fish caught in various locations in the Arctic for Environment Canada, including Pike, Lake Trout, Burbot and Arctic Char. Samples were taken for microplastic analysis, mercury analysis and metals and organic contaminants analysis.

FISH AGING

AAE has the experience, ability and equipment needed to process varying species of fish for age analysis. Fish aging can be determined by preparing different structures taken from the fish. Depending on the species an otolith, fin or scale structure may be used to analyze the age. In Northern Pike, the cleithrum, taken from the jaw of the fish can be used to determine age. The information gathered from age data can give further insight into growth rates, maximum age, age at maturity, and trends of future generations within a specific waterbody.

STOMACH CONTENT ANALYSIS

Understanding the feeding habits of fish is an important aspect of fisheries management. Stomach content analysis has become a widespread and standard practice that can provide invaluable insight into fish feeding patterns and trophic interactions. Dietary analysis can inform managers on fish behaviour, condition, habitat utilization, energy intake and inter/intra specific interactions, as well as the presence of invasive species. At AAE, we sort and identify all stomach contents to the lowest possible taxonomic level, estimate composition by count, volume and/or weight and provide representative photographs. We have experience identifying stomach contents of freshwater fish throughout Manitoba, Ontario and Arctic regions, as well as from marine arctic fishes.

LOWER TROPHIC LEVEL IDENTIFICATION

The lower trophic level includes benthic and zooplankton. Species. Benthic  organisms live on and in the substrate at the bottom of lakes, rivers and streams while zooplankton organisms can be free floating throughout the water column. Both are strongly affected by their surrounding environment including sediment composition, water quality and hydrological factors. Due to their sensitivity they are excellent bioindicators that can help determine the overall quality of the aquatic habitat. At AAE Tech Services we have the knowledge and expertise necessary to sample and identify indicator species in the aquatic environment as well as to determine the complexity of a system based on the communities of invertebrates found within.

AAE prides itself in developing strong working relationships with First Nations communities. Local knowledge helps guide the development and execution of field programs monitoring plans, and is for invaluable addressing environmental impacts on local resources for proposed development projects. First Nations partners are essential members of our field crews, assisting as guides in remote and difficult to navigate terrain, identifying productive fishing grounds and as field assistants. We have also provided training for First Nations community members so that they are equipped with the technical skills to carry out their own monitoring programs on traditional territories.

TOPOGRAPHIC SURVEY

At AAE, we offer comprehensive land surveying services that are tailored to meet the needs of our clients’ specific projects. Our powerful, state-of-the-art Trimble R8 GNSS survey system enables us to perform land surveys with a high level of precision and accuracy and produces detailed, high resolution topographic profiles that have served our clients for watershed and drainage planning, site assessments, hydrological modeling, flood mitigation, and much more.

For some examples the surveying services we have and can provide, please refer to our representative projects below, and do not hesitate to contact us if you require information about how our surveying capabilities can work for you.

AERIAL/ DRONE SURVEYS

AAE prides itself on incorporating advanced technologies into our practices to provide high quality, innovative and cost-effective environmental services. Our fully autonomous eBee fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is equipped with high precision GPS, ground and wind sensors, a high definition camera, and combined with our Trimble RTK ground system, allows us to conduct aerial surveys and produce Digital Surface Models (DSM) of any site.

By combining our UAV capabilities with our valued partnerships and expertise in hydrology, bathymetry, GIS and engineering, we are able to provide unique solutions to your environmental needs. Please do no hesitate to contact us if you require information about how we can meet your project needs, or refer to our surveying brochure.

BATHYMETRY

Bathymetric surveys provide valuable information about the depth, shape, surface area and volume of a water body. This information can be useful in assessing the quantity and quality of aquatic habitat and for applications in sediment monitoring, vegetation control, discharge analysis, as well as in feasibility studies of environmental compensation measures, such as dredging, among others.

AAE uses state-of-of-the-art BioSonics MX Echosounder technology and combines this with our Trimble RTK positioning system to produce highly accurate, geo-referenced bathymetric data. Our technology and expertise enable us to provide detailed bathymetric maps, as well as maps of substrate composition and submerged vegetation coverage, height and biovolume.

GIS AND MAPPING

All environmental projects typically have a Geographic Information System (GIS) component. GIS is a critical tool for mapping watersheds, substrate classifications, recording bathymetry and is a key component utilized for telemetry studies. GIS mapping offers decision makers the information necessary for the maintenance of healthy ecosystems with regards to habitat enhancement, creation or rehabilitation.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) play an increasingly critical role in environmental research, development planning and resource management. AAE uses state-of-the-art mapping and GIS tools to complete a wide range of projects, including aquatic and terrestrial assessments; water-shed planning and flood mitigation studies; aerial, topographic and bathy-metric surveys; project feasibility studies and more. AAE’s GIS and map-ping capabilities provide clients with the information necessary for efficient project development and accurate decision-making.

SPATIAL ECOLOGY

Spatial Ecology is the tracking of animals movements over distance through the method of Acoustic Telemetry. It contains two main compo-nents: a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter releases a set of sound pulses that are then detected by the receiver. Once detected the receiver logs the information, date and time of the detection. Transmitters can be implanted or attached to a fish, which is then released back into the water. The transmitter allows the receiver to track the location of the fish as it swims, allowing researchers to determine how much time a fish spends in one area.

AAE’s staff has the equipment, capability and understanding to deploy transmitters in order to track fish populations. This type of method can allow you to have a better understanding of fish populations for fish management and population control.

INSTREAM FLOW NEEDS

Assessing hydrological, geomorphological, biological and water quality and connectivity parameters of instream flow are essential to understanding the habitat requirements of organisms and of a healthy, functional ecosystem. AAE is experienced in the use of habitat suitability criteria (HSC) and weighted useable area (WUA) methods for assessing instream flow needs and how these relate to environmental management strategies and regulatory frameworks. We have the expertise to conduct comprehensive instream flow needs assessments for any waterbody in Canada.

WATERSHED PLANNING

Watershed plans are integrated management strategies for water-based resources within a given watershed. Effective planning requires a thorough understanding of water regimes within the system, sources and sinks of water, water use and management practices and the participation of all stakeholders for identifying issues and developing solutions.

AAE is experienced in assisting the development of integrated watershed management plans by providing services such as topographic surveys, drainage and hydrological assessments, culvert and ditch inventories and collecting environmental data related to terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems within watersheds. We provide baseline data for the planning and implementation of management solutions in the form of high-quality mapping, environmental assessments and professional recommendations with cost estimates developed by our expert staff and partners.

FLOOD MODELING AND MITIGATION

Flood control and management is an important aspect of the local economies and safety of communities near water. AAE is experienced in conducting topographic surveys and hydrological assessments for identifying vulnerable areas, generating flood projections and developing flood models and mitigation plans for flood sensitive communities throughout Manitoba. Our partnerships with professional engineers and hydrologists provide a wealth of expertise to assist with any project.

HYDRAULIC ASSESSMENTS

AAE Tech Services Inc. is experienced in conducting both large- and small-scale hydraulic assessments and has carried out such works for various communities, organizations and projects across Manitoba and Ontario. We are equipped for and experienced in streambed profiling, substrate analysis, developing velocity profiles and surveying patterns of drainage; all of which are vital for understanding and modeling discharge and flow in the analysis of flood risks and to determine physical demands on instream infrastructure.

DRAINAGE PLANNING

Effective drainage planning is a critical component of development on municipal, commercial, agricultural and residential properties. AAE is experienced in conducting all phases of the drainage planning process. From baseline data collection, to hydrological assessments, environmental mitigation planning and regulatory approvals and compliance, our team is equipped and qualified to provide high-quality drainage planning services. Using state-of-the-art technologies such as our Trimble RTK ground unit and eBee unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), we can construct detailed, highly-accurate and precise topographic maps and drainage models, and in partnership with expert hydrologists and engineers, we can provide effective drainage solutions that meet municipal, provincial and federal requirements.

FISH PASSAGE AND DESIGN AND MONITORING

Barriers to fish movement, whether anthropogenic (e.g. perched culverts, dams, weirs) or natural (e.g. beaver dams, log jams, rapids and waterfalls), segment fish habitat and prevent access to spawning, rearing, nursery, feeding or refuge habitat. AAE is experienced at identifying and assessing barriers to fish movement and in providing recommendations to improve fish passage and habitat connectivity to benefit fisheries. We have assisted in and conducted works aimed at the removal of barriers and the design and construction of fishways. We are also experienced in the design and implementation monitoring programs using acoustic and radio telemetry, fish tagging and sonar technologies to evaluate fish passage through suspected obstacles.

FISH/ MUSSEL SALVAGE

Fish salvage operations consist of capturing and relocating fish to minimize the risks of adverse effects or mortality associated with stranding, de-watering or other disturbance to aquatic habitat within a construction or project footprint where in-stream works occur. Occasionally, mussel salvages are also required to protect at-risk species from being negatively impacted by in-stream work.

AAE is experienced in conducting salvages in a variety of environments, from lakes, ponds, streams and rivers, to the inner structures of Hydroelectric Generating Stations. We are equipped to carry out fish and mussel salvages anywhere in Canada. Our team of biologists and technicians are knowledgeable and experienced in identifying, enumerating, processing and relocating fish and mussels to provide effective and efficient salvage services within both regulatory and fisheries enhancement frameworks.

FISH AND FISH HABITAT ASSESSMENT

Fish community inventories and fish habitat assessments are essential tools for managers to make informed decisions in the development of environmental protection plans for projects in and around water. Understanding fish population dynamics, community structure and the presence/absence of key species allows for proper mitigation and risk management measures to be implemented to minimize impacts to fisheries. Assessing, describing and classifying fish habitat is equally important to evaluate the potential for a given watercourse to meet the biological needs of different fish species and allows for determining work-related risks to the aquatic environment.

AAE is experienced in conducting comprehensive assessments of fish populations and aquatic habitat in all types of watercourses, from headwater streams to wetlands, rivers and large lakes. We possess all the necessary equipment to meet your fisheries assessment needs, including boat and backpack electrofishing equipment, gill nets, trap nets, fyke nets, beamish nets, seine nets, larval drift nets, minnow/gee traps and egg mats, among a wealth of other specialized equipment.

FISHERIES RESEARCH

Hypothesis-driven and investigative or descriptive scientific projects in fisheries research are carried out to address knowledge gaps and gain a better understanding of the life history, physiology, behavior, distribution, movement patterns and general biology and ecology of fish species and populations. This research is integral to informed decision making in conservation and resource management and provides the basis for developing environmental protection frameworks.

AAE has designed, conducted and participated in several research projects. Our biologists are adept in designing experiments, developing and testing hypotheses, statistical analysis, interpreting large data sets, communicating science and are published authors with articles in highly regarded scientific journals.

MITIGATION AND COMPENSATION PLANNING

AAE Tech Services Inc. is experienced in the development and implementation of compensation and mitigation plans for projects that may be deemed to harmfully alter, disrupt, or destroy (HADD) aquatic habitat. We have the necessary expertise to classify, quantify and evaluate habitat quality towards the development environmental compensation plans aimed at ensuring no net loss of habitat for projects where disturbance is inevitable, and mitigation is required.

FISH PASSAGE AND DESIGN AND MONITORING

Barriers to fish movement, whether anthropogenic (e.g. perched culverts, dams, weirs) or natural (e.g. beaver dams, log jams, rapids and waterfalls), segment fish habitat and prevent access to spawning, rearing, nursery, feeding or refuge habitat. AAE is experienced at identifying and assessing barriers to fish movement and in providing recommendations to improve fish passage and habitat connectivity to benefit fisheries. We have assisted in and conducted works aimed at the removal of barriers and the design and construction of fishways. We are also experienced in the design and implementation monitoring programs using acoustic and radio telemetry, fish tagging and sonar technologies to evaluate fish passage through suspected obstacles.

FISHERIES ENHANCEMENT AND RESTORATION

Any activity or strategy designed to rehabilitate or enhance spawning, feeding, nursery or refuge habitat, or availability and access to such habitat for fish, can be included under the umbrella of fisheries enhancement and restoration. AAE Tech Services Inc. has conducted many such works to improve fish habitat and habitat access in lakes, rivers, streams and wetlands, including projects aimed at improving spawning habitat, fish passage, water quality, in-stream cover and flow suitability, among several other key habitat features focused on improving and promoting the health of fisheries.

HATCHERY AND BROOD STOCK COLLECTION

AAE is equipped to provide services that include brood stock collection, egg and milt collection and processing. We have assisted fisheries managers and hatchery operations in Manitoba and Ontario in the collection Walleye, Trout spp. and Salmon spp. and are experienced in the capture and processing of adult fish, both for brood stock and for the purpose of gamete collection. We have also assisted in the design and implementation of underwater video monitoring systems for the purposes of fish monitoring and improving educational opportunities for the visiting public.

Notably, we are in the process of designing and bringing to life our own mobile hatchery that will be equipped to provide cost-effective hatchery services to remote lakes and communities, to facilitate stocking and fishery enhancement with the ultimate goal of re-stocking hatched fish into the same body of water from which they were collected, thus improving reproductive success while also minimizing the risks of spreading pests, parasites and viruses between hatcheries and waterbodies. This will also eliminate costs associated with rearing fish to adult size and maintaining a brood stock. We will update this section as the project evolves. Stay tuned!

Wildlife and bird studies comprise an important aspect of conservation efforts, environmental assessments and natural resource management. AAE Tech Services Inc. and its staff are experienced in conducting monitoring, assessments, inventories, relocation/salvages services, and research on many bird and wildlife species.

At AAE Tech Services we strive to develop excellent working relationships with agricultural producers, land owners, rural municipalities, and those living adjacent to waterways to promote sustainable development practices. Protection and enhancement of watersheds has a direct impact on aquatic environments, and we strive to work directly with agricultural producers to  ensure the ongoing conservation of aquatic resources for future generations. To assist agricultural producers, we provide biosecurity monitoring to help stop the spread of invasive species during construction projects, drainage mapping to assist with planning agricultural develops, and flood mitigation strategies.