Whirling Disease in Southeast BC – Online Training
- Start Date: April 23, 2026
- End Date: April 24, 2026
- Time: time varies, see schedule below
- City: online
- Venue: Zoom
- Participation is free, but you must register to attend the live version
Training description
Whirling disease (Myxobolus cerebralis) has recently been detected in the Columbia Basin and represents a significant emerging threat to salmonid populations and aquatic ecosystems in southeastern British Columbia and beyond. This online training is designed to equip those working in and around freshwater systems with the knowledge and practical tools needed to understand whirling disease and reduce the risk of its spread.
Through a combination of expert presentations, real-world case studies, and applied guidance, participants will gain a clear understanding of the biology of whirling disease, how it spreads, and the risks it poses to fish populations. The course will also cover current regulatory requirements, lessons learned from Alberta’s response to the 2016 outbreak, and the current status of whirling disease in BC.
A strong focus is placed on prevention and risk mitigation. Participants will learn how to identify disease transmission risks associated with field operations, equipment use, and recreational activities, and how to apply “Clean, Drain, Dry” principles effectively. The training will provide detailed decontamination protocols for sampling gear, PPE, equipment, and recreational gear, as well as guidance on developing SOPs, BMPs, and contract language to reduce whirling disease risk.
Course outline
The course will be delivered over two half-day online sessions via Zoom. You are welcome to attend one or both of the sessions. A more detailed outline is available upon request.
Day 1. April 23
(09:00–12:00) Pacific: Whirling disease biology and current status in BC
Day 2. April 24
(09:00–13:00) Pacific: Risk mitigation, decontamination, and planning. Public awareness and regional action plan ‘next steps interactive session’
Who should attend?
This free, online training is open to everyone with an interest in protecting freshwater ecosystems and fish populations. It is particularly relevant for people who work, volunteer, or spend time in river environments and want to play an active role in preventing the spread of whirling disease.
We strongly encourage participation from:
Land managers responsible for planning and overseeing activities in freshwater and riparian areas
Environmental consultants involved in monitoring, assessment, and restoration work
In-stream contractors and field crews working directly in rivers, streams, and wetlands
Recreational users such as anglers, paddlers, and other river users
Stewardship groups and community volunteers who regularly monitor, care for, and clean up local waterways
Recreational users and community stewards are especially welcome, as they are often the first to notice changes in river environments and play a vital role in early detection, reporting, and prevention. No prior technical knowledge is required. Anyone who wants to help keep BC’s rivers healthy and free from invasive aquatic diseases will benefit from attending.
Our presenters
David DePape is an aquatic biologist and senior resource manager with 40+ years of experience in fisheries management and restoration, who is now semi-retired and living on Vancouver Island. Until recently, he worked within government in a senior management capacity with fish habitat restoration initiatives. Following the outbreak of whirling disease in Alberta in 2016, David led the research, subsequent development and implementation of decontamination protocols and procedures for the Alberta Government as a member of the provincial whirling disease task force.
Martina Beck is the Freshwater Applied Science and Invasives Unit Head with the BC Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship. Martina oversees the Ministry’s science and strategic policy unit for aquatic invasive animals which includes the shared delivery of the BC Invasive Mussel Defence Program with the Conservation Officer Service. Martina completed her MSc studies in aquatic invasive species research at the University of Victoria.
Preparation and what to bring
Please come prepared with the following:
- Zoom. Follow that link for info on system requirements
- A good internet connection, microphone, and webcam (optional) for breakout room discussions
Prior to attending all participants are asked to fill out the online Public Awareness Survey. This survey has been developed by the Central Kootenay and Columbia Shuswap Invasive Species Societies to help better understand awareness levels and inform future outreach efforts as part of a regional action plan. The results of this survey will guide an interactive session on the second day of the training.
There is no mandatory pre-reading, but the following materials may be of interest to attendees before or after the course.
- Province of BC’s Whirling Disease Website
- Invasive Species Council of BC Factsheet about Whirling Disease
- Alberta Decontamination Protocols
Registration & what’s included
This training is offered free of charge but you must register to attend the live-version.
A video recording of both sessions will be made publicly available on the CMI website following the event. Registrants will be notified when the recording has been posted.
Event partners and sponsors
Partners: CMI is pleased to work with these organizations on this event:
BC Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, CKISS, CSISS, EKISC and Invasive Species Council of BC
Sponsors: CMI is grateful to the following organizations for their financial support:
Fortis BC, CKISS, and Columbia Power
