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RESOURCE PUBLICATION 177, 1990 CHAPTER 2 "1 0 Joseph B. Hunn Introduction Investigating a fish kill is like detective work; it requires the same keen observation and an inquisi- tive mind. In addition to inquisitiveness, a familiarity with literature on fish kill investigations and knowl- edge of the procedures involved are important. Like- wise, you must know and understand the operations manual or other administrative directives that apply to your agency. Fish kill investigations commonly bring investigators into contact with personnel of other organizations, such as analytical and diag- nostic laboratories, that may be involved in analyz- ing samples collected in the field. General knowledge about the sources of help (and the appropriate telephone numbers) should be maintained. The possibility always exists that questions of legal liability will result from a fish kill, and that a judge or jury may scrutinize what was done, how it was done, and the record of the investigation. The need for a carefully planned, properly conducted, and legally defensible investigation is obvious. Advance Preparations Any fish kill investigation involves filling out a number of forms. The investigator should be familiar with the forms required and the types of informa- tion needed. Before the need arises to conduct an investigation, you should clear the forms through the legal staff of your agency to ensure that the types of information collected will adequately support the development of a legal case against the party respon- sible for the kill. In addition to having a supply of the required forms, it is strongly recommended that a bound field diary or logbook be used to record all information about a fish kill. A complete record should be developed of the date, site, and extent of the kill. The record should include photographic evidence, sample numbers, types and locations of sampling, and other pertinent information so that the chronology of the investigation can be recon- structed and documented (Davis 1986). Chain-of- custody procedures to be used to collect, record, and process samples should be reviewed frequently (see Chapter 7). A checklist should be developed well before you leave for the field. The items should include (1) the forms required, (2) names and telephone numbers of persons to be contacted in the field, (3) names and telephone numbers of other elements of the organ- ization to be contacted (e.g., analytical facility, diagnostic laboratory, and your law enforcement division), (4) maps of the kill area, (5) types of sam- pling gear needed, (6) sample bottles and chests to hold samples, (7) wet ice or "blue ice," (8) logbook, (9) camera and film, and (10) safety gear. A detailed list of the types of equipment and supplies that may be needed is given in Chapter 12. Routine maintenance is required to keep the needed equipment and supplies in ready condition. A maintenance check sheet should be kept and periodic checks should be made in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. This is espe- cially important when battery-operated gear is to be used. If possible, have available a backup system of analysis that does not require batteries. Culture media and solutions must be regularly replaced to ensure that these products are always fresh and ready to use. A maintenance and performance log should be maintained. Special gear or chemicals may require specific storage conditions to prevent deteri- oration or contamination. If the fish kill is not on government property, you may need permission or a warrant to enter the prop- erty to make observations and to collect samples. A State collecting permit may be required to take samples of fish and other biota. Unless you have a warrant or permission to enter the area, the samples collected may be inadmissible as evidence in a court case. It is prudent to treat each investigation as though it will end up in court.