River Thames Coarse Fish Monitoring
APEM has carried out a detailed assessment of the potential impacts of a major water resources development on the River Thames on coarse fish populations. The comprehensive study has incorporated sophisticated monitoring techniques to cover all life stages of the many coarse fish species present. Larval sampling using hand net trawls is followed by monthly micro-mesh surveys to assess the development of the young of the year. Adult fish are then surveyed with a variety of techniques ranging from seine netting to fyke netting and night-time sonar to angling match data interpretation. The studies will inform the assessment of impacts associated with reduced and augmented river flows during key seasonal periods.
