Tom Brown

Research Biologist

Current research and/or projects

Mr. Brown is currently directing two research programs. The first study, the Courtenay River Triad Evaluation, was initiated in June, 1998. This study examines the use of triads (interconnected concrete pilings) as a method of reducing seal predation on summer-run chinook salmon in the lower Courtenay River. These triads were designed to provide salmon with a refuge when being chased by a seal. The second program, the Black Creek Coho Habitat and Land-use Study, was initiated in 1993 to address the objectives of the "Sustainable Fisheries Program" within the "Action Plan on Fish Habitat." This program was designed to identify, characterize, evaluate, map, and estimate loss of coho habitat within the Black Creek Watershed located on the east coast of Vancouver Island. This watershed has been subjected to increasing environmental pressures due to urban development, agriculture, and forestry practices.

 Mr. Brown's considerable experience in freshwater ecology, salmon freshwater habitat requirements, and the impacts of various human activities on salmon habitat has led to the provision of expert witness statements and advice to fisheries managers.

Mr. Brown is an active member of the Tsolum River Freshwater Habitat Steering Committee and a participant in the McGregor Model Forest Technical Steering Committee. Mr. Brown obtained an M.Sc. in forestry from the University of British Columbia and has had more than 20 years of experience in freshwater ecology. He has been involved in minimum flow studies related to John Hart II hydroelectric dam on the Campbell River, urbanization and water use studies on Black Creek, fish/forestry interaction studies at Carnation Creek (west coast of Vancouver Island) and at Slim Tumuch Creek (near Prince George), and chinook salmon predator-prey relationships on the Nechako River.

Research and/or project statements

Mr. Brown is currently directing two research programs. The first study, the Courtenay River Triad Evaluation, was initiated in June, 1998. This study examines the use of triads (interconnected concrete pilings) as a method of reducing seal predation on summer-run chinook salmon in the lower Courtenay River. These triads were designed to provide salmon with a refuge when being chased by a seal. The second program, the Black Creek Coho Habitat and Land-use Study, was initiated in 1993 to address the objectives of the "Sustainable Fisheries Program" within the "Action Plan on Fish Habitat." This program was designed to identify, characterize, evaluate, map, and estimate loss of coho habitat within the Black Creek Watershed located on the east coast of Vancouver Island. This watershed has been subjected to increasing environmental pressures due to urban development, agriculture, and forestry practices. Mr. Brown's considerable experience in freshwater ecology, salmon freshwater habitat requirements, and the impacts of various human activities on salmon habitat has led to the provision of expert witness statements and advice to fisheries managers. Mr. Brown is an active member of the Tsolum River Freshwater Habitat Steering Committee and a participant in the McGregor Model Forest Technical Steering Committee. Mr. Brown obtained an M.Sc. in forestry from the University of British Columbia and has had more than 20 years of experience in freshwater ecology. He has been involved in minimum flow studies related to John Hart II hydroelectric dam on the Campbell River, urbanization and water use studies on Black Creek, fish/forestry interaction studies at Carnation Creek (west coast of Vancouver Island) and at Slim Tumuch Creek (near Prince George), and chinook salmon predator-prey relationships on the Nechako River.

Key publications

Brown, T.G., Winchell, P., and Postans, N. 2004. Benthic community of Shuswap Lake’s foreshore. Can. Manuscr. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 2693: iv + 33 p.

Brown, T.G. and Winchell, P. 2004. Fish community of Shuswap Lake’s foreshore. Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 2568: viii + 39 p.

Brown, T.G., B. Munro, C. Beggs, E. Lochbaum, and P. Winchell. 2003. Courtenay River seal fence. Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 2459: 55 p.

Brown, T.G. 2002. Floodplains, flooding, and salmon rearing habitats in British Columbia: A review. CSAS Res. Doc. 2002/007.