Mike Robinson - MSc, RPBio

Mike has been working in the field of aquatic sciences for over 20 years. During this time he has become recognized in two key fields: the ecology of Westslope Cutthroat Trout and Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration. His work with Westslope Cutthroat Trout has covered most of their range in British Columbia and Alberta.
Mike completed his MSc degree where his thesis investigated, for the first time, the ecological consequences of hybridization between native Westslope Cutthroat Trout and introduced Rainbow Trout. This study in part, considered the effects of human-impacts, such as habitat degradation, on the fish community and the potential spread of introduced species. This work was completed in the Oldman River watershed.

Later on, Mike completed two years of genetic inventory and mapping work for the Government of Alberta from 2007-2008, mapping the remnant Westslope Cutthroat Trout population in Alberta, and support their SARA listing. As a consultant, Mike’s career has focused on Ecological Restoration and Environmental Assessments. Regarding Ecological Restoration, Mike has experience designing and implementing habitat restoration prescriptions and Fish Habitat Offsetting Plans. He is currently leading a multidisciplinary team in identifying and designing habitat offsetting projects throughout the Elk River watershed. A key project in Mike’s experience is acting as the Project Manager and lead Biologist for Teck Coal’s ongoing fish habitat offsetting strategy, since 2007. Mike strongly urges clients to incorporate bioengineering into conventional instream habitat and bank erosion structures.

In regards to Environmental Assessment Mike has been involved in multiple projects, often acting as the Fish and Fish Habitat discipline lead. He has been an author on gap analysis reports, baseline work plans, and Baseline Assessment reports. Mike has also completed environmental effects studies, including assessing the effects of substrate manipulation on benthic macroinvertebrate communities. Mike has lead projects investigating fish distributions in British Columbia and Alberta, to assist with Federal Species At Risk recovery plans. Mike has a strong understanding of scientific design and statistical analysis, and provides a balance of research, education and experience.