Biodiversity & Rare Species
Biological diversity, or biodiversity, is the living component of the natural world. It embraces all plant and animal species and communities associated with terrestrial, aquatic and marine habitats. APEM have been involved in many projects focussing on biodiversity and the protection of rare species of both
invertebrates and
fish. Furthermore our monitoring and scientific expertise for the protection of
sensitive habitats is also often required.
APEM have been involved in the study of the presence and distribution of several BAP macroinvertebrate species. These have included riffle beetles, freshwater pearl mussels and
freshwater crayfish. Whether the project is commissioned to determine the presence or absence of the species or whether the removal and subsequent reinstatement of the individuals is required, APEM and its trained and licensed specialists can undertake the work to within strict deadlines and financial budgets.
In response to the European Habitats & Species Directive requirements APEM have been commissioned by the Environment Agency, English Nature, Scottish Natural Heritage and Countryside Commission for Wales to develop monitoring techniques and strategies for several rare or conservation species including
sea lamprey, river and brook lamprey, bullhead,
spined loach, powan, Arctic char and the rare spineless morph of stickleback. Further to developing monitoring strategies we have also undertaken many both large and small-scale studies on rare species. These include major studies of lamprey species on the
River Tay and River Spey in Scotland as well as the Dee Catchment, the River Usk and River Wye in Wales the
River Eden, River Derwent, River Avon, River Itchen and River Nadder. Extensive bullhead surveys have been undertaken on the Afon Teifi and
River Otter, with long term quantitative work on the
River Wharfe. In addition for several of the species we have either written or contributed to the 'Ecological Requirements Handbook' providing a detailed review of the habitat requirements and environmental threats to the species. These include, salmon and spined loach, with contributions to the lamprey species and bullhead documents.
Inter-tidal and sub-tidal habitats as designated SINC (Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation) have been the study of investigations within the
Second Mersey Bridge Crossing Project. The monitoring of
SAC rivers, SSSI lakes as well as a host of SPAs is a typical role for many APEM staff with advice as to the best ways to manage and minimise impacts or bring about amelioration being common place. The monitoring process as well as the report and recommendations are tailored to suit the particular requirements of the client but at all times, the unbiased and independent nature of APEM means that the final product always has the best interests of the environment as its focus.