The Ontario Stream Monitoring and Research Team (SMART) networks provide a forum for exchange of ideas, data and science about flowing waters. Collectively the data and the science generated from the meetings are invaluable.
SMART Networks
Many agencies, researchers and private citizens are engaged in collecting data on flowing waters. Thousands of site visits are carried out annually to evaluate the biophysical properties of streams and rivers using techniques that vary from being informal to in-depth.
The Ontario Stream Monitoring and Research Team (SMART) networks bring together these stakeholders to:
- further the science and understanding of watershed processes and influences,
- develop decision support tools,
- influence policy direction, and
- facilitate training and transfer of scientific knowledge.
The benefit of the network approach is that the results obtained are better than any agency can provide on their own. Through networking, decision-makers can access the best information and science possible about flowing waters in Ontario to ensure appropriate management actions are taken. Additionally, new science and management tools can be created to ensure the data is collected, managed, and shared more effectively in the future.
SOSMART Network
- Chair, SOSMART: Patrick Schaefer
- Vice-Chair, SOSMART: Joshua Diamond
- Secretary, SOSMART: Rob Wilson
The Southern Ontario Stream Monitoring and Research Team (SOSMART), formerly known as the Lake Ontario Modeling Team (LOMT), is a coalition of partners from along the north shore of Lake Ontario. The types of partners, past and current, include:
- Conservation Authorities
- Academia
- Municipalities
- Provincial agencies
- Federal agencies
- Non-governmental organizations
For a listing of the current SOSMART membership, please refer to the General Documents.
General Documents
- Map of Smart Networks (2018)
- SOSMART Charter (2018)
- What is a SMART? presentation at AFS Ontario Chapter Annual Meeting (2010)
- Prospectus for Ontario Stream Monitoring Network v2 (2008)
- Lowflow Data Meeting Minutes (2008)
- A Framework for Incorporating the Science of Impact, Risk and State of Resource Assessments into Management Decisions for Flowing Waters (2002)
- Potential Research Projects Utilizing SOSMART Data
Research Papers
- Mahlum, S., D. Kehler, D. Cote, Y.F. Wiersma and L.W. Stanfield. 2014. Assessing the biological relevance of aquatic connectivity to stream fish communities. Canadian Journal of Aquatic and Fisheries Sciences: 71(12): 1852-1863.
- Stanfield, L.W. 2012. Reporting on the condition of stream fish communities in the Canadian tributaries of Lake Ontario, at various spatial scales. Journal of Great Lakes Research: 38: 196–205.
- Stanfield, L.W. and B.W. Kilgour. 2012. How proximity of land use affects stream fish and habitat. River Research and Applications.
- Stanfield, L.W. and D.A. Jackson. 2011. Understanding the factors that influence headwater stream flows in response to storm events. Journal of the American Water Resources Association (JAWRA) 1-22.
- R. Stanfield. 2007. Hydraulic Head Comparison.
- Stanfield, L.W. and B.W. Kilgour. 2006. Effects of percent impervious cover on fish and benthos assemblages and instream habitats in Lake Ontario tributaries. American Fisheries Society Symposium 48: 577–599.
- B.W. Kilgour and L.W. Stanfield. 2006. Hindcasting reference conditions in streams. American Fisheries Society Symposium 48: xx–xx.
- L.W. Stanfield, S.F. Gibson and J.A. Borwick. 2006. Using a landscape approach to identify the distribution and density patterns of Salmonids in Lake Ontario tributaries. American Fisheries Society Symposium 48:601–621.
Monitoring Protocols
- An Algal Bioassessment Protocol For Use In Ontario Rivers (2011)
- Estimating Summer Low-Flow in Streams in a Morainal Landscape using Spatial Hydrologic Models (2009)
- Borisko Benthos Field Method Comparison (2007)
SOSMART Biannual Meetings
You can browse all documents from the SOSMART Network meetings HERE.