DOI: 10.25976/0gvo-9d12
title: DFO PSEC Community Stream Monitoring (CoSMo)

description: These data are collected as part of the Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) Pacific Science Enterprise Centre (PSEC) Community Stream Monitoring (CoSMo) project, which is a collaborative monitoring initiative that strives to produce quality, long-term datasets for use in resource management, research, and stewardship. We currently monitor streams in southwest BC in the region spanning from Howe Sound, south to the USA border, and east to Abbotsford, primarily using automated dataloggers. This project is made possible thanks to the many stewardship groups in the region whose dedicated volunteers are committed to protecting, conserving, and educating the public about their local streams.

We rely on volunteers to download the data from the dataloggers. If you download and/or use the CoSMo data, we would appreciate if you could send a quick email to Nikki Kroetsch (Nikki.Kroetsch@dfo-mpo.gc.ca) with a brief (1-2 sentence) description of what you will be using the data for. Though not a requirement for using the data, this information reassures our volunteers that their data collection efforts are appreciated and worthwhile, which motivates them to continue to help collect the data.

Partner Organizations: Alouette River Management Society, Cariboo Heights Forest Preservation Society, Cougar Creek Streamkeepers, City of Surrey, Bowen Island Fish and Wildlife Club, West Vancouver Streamkeepers, Stoney Creek Environment Committee, City of Port Moody, Capilano Golf/Country Club, Eagle Creek Streamkeepers, North Shore Streamkeepers, Nicomekl Enhancement Society, Hoy/Scott Watershed Society, Hyde Creek Watershed Society, WaterWealth Project, Univ. of BC, Burrard Inlet Marine Enhancement Society, Yorkson Watershed Enhancement Society, Johnston Heights Secondary School (Surrey), Seymour Salmonid Society, Still Creek Streamkeepers, PSEC staff 

Dedicated volunteers (not associated with an organization) who steward Carlson Creek, Mosquito Creek, McDonald Creek, and McNally Creek.
description: We use automated loggers that remain in-stream and record data at regular intervals. The most common loggers we use are the HOBO Tidbit MX2203 temperature loggers, which we calibrate in a warm- and cold-water bath prior to deploying and set to record water temperature every hour. When the data are downloaded from the loggers, a temperature reading is taken with an accurate thermometer and compared to the logger reading. We also use the HOBO U20L water level logger (which also records water temperature) and the Solinst Levelogger 5 LTC and Zentra ZL6 loggers (which record water level, temperature, and conductivity). The conductivity loggers are calibrated prior to installation and again 3-4 times per year when the data are downloaded. To calibrate the conductivity loggers, we follow the calibration instructions provided by the manufacturers, using 1413 uS/cm and 5000 uS/cm calibration solution. Volunteers are trained in-person how to download the data from the loggers, then proceed to download the data 3-4 times per year and email the data files and data sheets to staff at PSEC.
description: Upon receiving the data files from volunteers, the data are plotted and assessed for abnormalities and/or outliers. Abnormal data points are addressed and/or removed, the data are compared to manual readings taken at time of data download, and the data are then appended to previous data for the logger site and made available.