Fishery Survey

OHES offers a comprehensive suite of fishery surveys to investigate the nature of fish populations in a range of environments. Knowledge of fish populations is essential in monitoring the status of the aquatic environment, and measuring changes brought about by natural events, environmental incidents or physical habitat improvements.

 

Our services include:

• Fish Population Surveys - Rivers & Canals – this type of survey is normally employed for qualitative and quantitative surveys, and follows standard Environment Agency protocols. Under normal circumstances, a 100m section of river/canal is identified and enclosed using stop nets. This section is then fished in a series of runs to obtain a catch-depletion. The fish captured are then speciated, measured and weighed and returned safely to the watercourse. The data gathered is used to calculate population estimates which provide a comparative data set for a range of situations. These can include post-pollution assessments (impact and recovery), routine monitoring, or fisheries management purposes.

• Fish Population Surveys – Lakes & Ponds – This type of survey is usually achieved by seine netting, but in certain circumstances, trapping or electric fishing can also be used. These are usually qualitative surveys to assess the species composition of stillwater populations, and assess aspects of fish health and recruitment. Quantitative surveys can be achieved through ‘mark-recapture’ or catch per unit effort surveys.

Our staff have over 25 years combined experience in delivering fish population surveys.

 

 

Contact OHES

Call +44 (0) 870 240 3329 or
email info@ohes.co.uk