TD Canada Trust Friends of the Environment Provides New Research Equipment

TD Canada Trust Friends of the Environment's Leigh MacDonald visited the River Institute recently to learn more about its recent purchase of River research equipment. TD Friends of the Environment recently provided funding to purchase a High Definition GPS / fish finder / chart plotter unit with side scan sonar as well as a GoPro camera with accessories for underwater use.

These two units will be used for research projects and training on the St. Lawrence River. The GPS/sonar unit is a sophisticated fish finder style of device that provides a 3-D image of the research area, with built in GPS coordinates. The GoPro camera will further define the research area by providing photographic images and video to identify types of sediment on the River bottom, aquatic plant life, etc. The two devices will also have widespread usage in other River Institute projects to study fish behaviour, population monitoring, and rehabilitation work, as well as ongoing education and outreach programs related to these projects.

"The support from TD Friends of the Environment provides a real contribution to our research on the St. Lawrence River," stated Dr. Jeff Ridal, River Institute Executive Director, "This equipment enables us to research those things that determine the health of our River Ecosystem."