Ricardo

FiveRivers conducted 28 electrofishing surveys across Yorkshire during the summer of 2022, as part of their ongoing involvement in the project. These fish surveys supported Ricardo in delivering baseline monitoring data to aid Yorkshire Water in their drought planning preparations, building on similar work completed in 2020 and 2021 with a total of 160 fisheries surveys delivered. Electric fish surveys were undertaken either by wading or in deeper rivers, by boat. Where possible, the surveyed reaches were isolated using stop nets. Our operatives conducted multiple survey runs within the same river section to accurately quantify the fish populations in a fixed area. Fish were caught, speciated and measured before being safely returned to the watercourse.

 

 

Project requirements

The problem

These surveys supported Ricardo in delivering baseline monitoring data to aid Yorkshire Water in their drought planning preparations. Working closely with the Environment Agency to obtain consents and landowners to access to the survey location. Due to the variety of locations surveyed, different techniques were required including electric fishing CPUE, wanders leads, backpack and wading.

Our approach

The solution

To increase efficiency of the surveyors, sites which required similar sampling methodology and were close together were grouped and undertaken in the same week.

Surveys were led by experienced fisheries ecologists. Collecting good quality data and ensuring high fish welfare standards was crucial to the ecologists undertaking the work.

Biosecurity was also very important, ensuring that all equipment was checked, cleaned and dried before being used in other catchments. This was to prevent the spread of invasive species such as the signal crayfish.

Project outcomes

The results

FiveRivers successfully completed all 28 fish surveys in the allotted time. During these surveys 2,664 fish surveyed, with 17 different species identified.

Protected or vulnerable species as well as invasive and non-native species were identified in river bodies and this information was passed onto the client.

Ricardo and Yorkshire Water will be able to use the data collected by FiveRivers to identify ecologically important rivers which will help them decide where to abstract water from during times of drought.

With water shortages affecting the UK it’s important for drought planning processes to be in place along with thought for protection for the wildlife and habitats present.

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Looking to talk to an expert?

Sean McGrogan

Monitoring Manager

Get in touch by either phone or email to speak with Sean and discuss your needs.

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