7.6. Surveying the Watercourse The next step is to physically survey your watercourse to get information about fish species, water chemistry, temperature, and other physical features. Generally, you will be looking at the physical shape and condition of the watercourse and its habitat potential. This information can give you clues as to possible problems. It is likely that most of your efforts will concentrate on only one portion of the watercourse. With some instruction a group can easily do a cooperative assessment. Note: Blank survey forms for each type of watercourse are contained in this section Some surveys will already be available from the Nova Scotia Department Agriculture and Fisheries office. Additionally, more detailed water-quality information may be available through the nearest office of the Departments of Environment. There also may be additional information that needs to be collected because of some special feature in your area. Therefore, before you begin any type of survey discuss what needs to be done with the NSSA contact. When the information is collected and your survey is complete, meet again with your NSSA contact. You will be then be able to cooperatively determine how to improve your watercourse in specific ways. The reasons for performing a survey are: - To help you determine the true nature and extent of all the problems in the watercourse. A quick look may suggest one problem (e.g. eroding banks), whereas a more serious problem (e.g. no nursery area for fish) may be missed without an organized investigation. - To help you gather information that will aid a habitat professional to determine the best ways to resolve any problems. - To enable you to fully understand how a natural stream functions. This is valuable knowledge in itself for any citizen concerned about environmental issues.