Fish Survey & Electric Fishing
Fish Surveys and Electric Fishing
We deliver professional fish surveys to assess the health, diversity, and population structure of freshwater ecosystems. Utilising Environment Agency-compliant electric fishing (or electrofishing) techniques and expert ecological knowledge, we collect high-quality data to support river restoration, biodiversity monitoring, and impact assessments. Adam is a full member of the Institute of Fisheries Management and has been successfully conducting fish surveys since 2005, in both Environment Agency and private sector capacities.
Fish surveys help inform conservation decisions, meet regulatory requirements, and engage local communities in understanding their rivers. If you’re unsure about what you need, please get in touch, and we’ll be happy to guide you through the options.
- Fish surveys involve systematically capturing and recording fish to assess species diversity, abundance, and population health in rivers and lakes.
- They are typically carried out using Environment Agency approved electric fishing techniques to ensure accurate and ethical data collection.
- All surveys are carried out in line with Water Framework Directive methodology as well as following British Standards where available.
- Fish are excellent indicators of ecological health, helping to identify pollution, habitat degradation, and changes in water quality over time.
- Surveys support river restoration and conservation efforts by showing how fish populations respond to habitat improvements.
- They are often required for planning applications, project appraisal, and regulatory compliance.
- Data from fish surveys inform catchment management, species protection plans, and invasive non-native species control.
- Community engagement through fish surveys can raise awareness and support for local river stewardship.
What are fish surveys?
Electric fishing is a safe and effective method for studying the fish that live in our rivers and streams. It’s a method approved by the Environment Agency and used widely across the UK to check the health of freshwater habitats. Using specialist equipment, we create a gentle electric field in the water that temporarily stuns nearby fish. This causes them to swim towards the anode, where we can quickly net them, record key details (like species and size), and return them to the water unharmed. No fish are harmed in the process; they recover within seconds. This technique helps us understand which fish are present, how many there are, and whether the river is in good ecological condition. This information is vital for protecting UK wildlife and informing conservation work.
We utilise the latest equipment from Wyre Micro Developments, a trusted UK-based manufacturer, designed explicitly with fish welfare in mind.
Fyke and Seine Netting
Fyke and seine netting are traditional methods of studying fish in lakes, rivers, and ponds across the UK. Fyke nets are funnel-shaped traps anchored in place, ideal for capturing fish moving along river margins or in still waters over extended periods. Seine nets are long, vertical nets with weighted bottoms and float-lined tops, which are dragged through shallow water to enclose fish. Both methods are non-lethal, allowing for the capture, identification, and release of fish with minimal stress.
Both approaches allow us to identify, measure, and safely release fish with minimal stress. They’re especially handy in deeper or wider waters where electric fishing isn’t practical. We often use Fyke nets for dedicated surveys of the European Eel, a critically important and protected species here in the UK.
Fish Habitat Assessment
A fish habitat assessment is the process of evaluating the physical and ecological features of a watercourse that support fish life. This includes assessing factors such as flow, depth, substrate type, in-stream vegetation, cover, connectivity, and water quality. By understanding the availability and quality of habitats for different life stages, spawning, nursery, feeding, and refugia, these assessments help identify pressures on fish populations and opportunities for habitat improvement. Fish habitat surveys help design effective river restoration projects, inform biodiversity net gain strategies, and support the long-term health and resilience of freshwater ecosystems.
How can we add value to your project?
Want to deliver fish surveys but don’t have the equipment or experience? We can provide both theoretical and practical electric fishing training, utilising your team and our equipment for fish surveys. For safety purposes, we usually only allow one inexperienced team member in the water while the kit is live.
Drawing on our experience, we can help you develop a monitoring program that meets all your project requirements.
All our staff have DEFRA Working in Water and First Aid training, and have current Professional CSCS cards. We are also fully insured for working in water and boat use.
Related Services
Need help with something else? These are some services our clients often use alongside River Condition Assessments
