Leeway Collective embodies a unique intersection between outdoor sports and science. We have been involved in multiple projects where we use our kayaks as a means to safely access otherwise inaccessible aquatic ecosystems.
We are a sampling, survey and census service that specializes in riverine ecosystems. Combining our backgrounds in biology and geography with our whitewater paddling experience and certifications, we are able to provide reliable, professional, accurate and timely information using transportation methods with limited environmental impacts. We have collected data for many projects including: sampling fish tissue, eDNA water sampling, surveying beavers, otters and nutria and performing bird census. Remote and technical river sections are our playground. Let us help you get the data you need.
Our assistance can speed up the process, bring research costs down and provide a safe and fun research experience, while simultaneously connecting people who are passionate about river ecosystems and their inhabitants, but possess different approaches and insights on angles how to protect them.
Projects & Experience
Fish tissue sampling on the Aoos/Vjosa River, Greece & Albania – 2015
– use of kayaks to access remote locations to take fish fin tissue samples
– data published in scientific journal Österreichs Fischerei, 75: 299 – 320 (2022)
Annual International Waterbird Census, Soča River, Slovenia – 2017 – 2023
– use of kayaks to access hard-to-reach sections or river
– survey performed using standardized protocol
– data contributes to IWC international monitoring programme operating in 143 countries
Environmental DNA sampling of entire Sava River, Slovenia – 2021
– collection of eDNA samples using handheld pump system from kayaks and shore
Waterfowl survey along entire Sava River, Slovenia – 2021
– first ever survey of entire Sava in Slovenia (260 km) during nesting season
– performed by kayak only; results delivered to BirdLife Slovenia (DOPPS)
Fish behaviour survey on the Sava Bohinjka River, Slovenia – 2022
– survey performed for the Fisheries Research Institute of Slovenia
– performed research by kayak producing a report with findings, accompanied by underwater photos and videos
Beaver presence census on 200 km of the Sava River, Slovenia – 2023
– performed for Slovenian NGO Lutra as part of a public order for national beaver and otter monitoring
– kayaked 200 km over 8 days, surveying for signs of beaver, nutria and otter
– input data (photos, coordinates and project codes) for each sign using Map Marker
Methods
By foot. By kayak. By raft. Our research methods have a small environmental and low carbon footprint. Most of our research methods employ means of self-propelled transportation, resulting in no or little impact on the environment we move through when collecting data.
By bringing samples and information back from remote locations, our assistance can reduce research costs as well as save valuable time. By using kayaks and rafts we can safely access otherwise inaccessible aquatic ecosystems. We are also certified raft guides and can bring your research team on location via raft to perform the research or gather data yourself.
About Us
ROK ROZMAN
Rok has been working in river conservation for the last 8 years. While studying at the University of Ljubljana his research was focused on the territorial overlapping of tawny owls and eagle owls throughout Slovenia. He is the founder and leader of the river conservation initiative Balkan River Defence and has been involved in many international river conservation projects. Currently he is a fly fishing guide on Slovenia’s many rivers and has a broad knowledge of both freshwater and saltwater fish species. He is a former Olympic rower and professional whitewater kayaker.
Citizen & resident: Slovenia
Education: Biology Degree – University of Ljubljana, Slovenia
Certifications: Red Cross First Aid;
Rescue 3 Europe – Professional Whitewater Rescue Technician
Balkan River Defence, river conservation NGO: www.balkanriverdefence.org
CARMEN KUNTZ
Carmen is a freelance writer who contributes regularly for international print magazines in the US, UK and Canada. She holds a Geography degree and studied large carnivores in Pacific Rim National Park, British Columbia, Canada. She has been involved in river conservation in Europe for the last 6 years and contributed to multiple ongoing studies in northern Canada while working for Environment Canada as a biomonitoring technician. She has worked extensively in the backcountry of Canada, and is passionate about beaver research and wetland conservation.
Citizen: Canada Resident: Slovenia
Education: Geography Degree – University of Ottawa, Canada
Certifications: Red Cross First Aid;
Rescue 3 Europe – Professional Whitewater Rescue Technician
Professional writing portfolio: www.carmenekuntz.com
For more information…
If you are in need of help getting specific samples or require surveys or census data, contact us via email home@leeway-collective.com and will be happy to put togethera package for research and sampling assistance to meet your project needs.
We are open for partnerships in river conservation-related projects through our registered Slovenian NGO, Leeway Collective Institute for the Promotion and Protection of Aquatic Ecosystems.