The Latest Field Methods to Assess Fish Populations
ES biologists using the latest methods in electrofishing
EnviroScience uses the most current methodology to assess fish communities in water bodies ranging from small headwater streams to The Great Lakes, North America’s largest freshwater bodies of water. Most fish collections use pulsed DC electrical currents which temporarily stun the fish to allow for net capture. In captivity, the fish are examined for anomalies, weighed, measured for length, and quickly released unharmed. EnviroScience employs the typical electrofishing methods: backpack, long-line, tote barge, and boat.
Qualitative methods can be used to supplement quantitative fish data. For example, sampling equipment can be employed to target specific species or groups of fishes. This equipment includes experimental gillnets for general species, seines for near shore species, hoopnets for bottom dwelling species, and trawls for pelagic species. Icthyoplankton sampling and identification for entrainment and impingement [316(b)] is an EnviroScience specialty. Other methods such as underwater video and sonar are also available.
Data Analysis
The ES staff has over 70 years of combined experience with fishery data analysis.
- Presence / Absence based on historical and habitat data
- Spawning
- Community Comparisons
- RIS (Representative Important Species)
- IBI (Index of Biotic Integrity) relevant in OH, KY, GA, etc.
- RBP (Rapid Bio assessment Protocol) for federal projects and state-specific (PA, WV)
- Thermal tolerance / analysis
- 316(a) and 316(b) data analysis and consulting
- Index of Well Being (IWB) and Modified Index of Well Being (MIWB)
- Catch Per Unit (CPU)
- Predation and Gut Analysis
