Freshwater Ecological Assessment

Our experienced aquatic ecologists regularly deliver efficient, cost-effective and scientifically robust freshwater ecological assessment services.  Our expertise includes survey design, fieldwork, subsequent laboratory analysis (including invertebrate identification and enumeration), data analysis/interpretation, reporting and stakeholder liaison where required. Such services are usually applied within studies relating to development planning or ecological monitoring of industrial discharges.

 

Capabilities

  • Aquatic plant surveys
  • Invertebrate Analysis
  • Invertebrate index scoring e.g. BMWP (Biological Monitoring Working Party) Scoring
  • Fish surveys
  • Research experiments
  • Assessment of the effects of operations and incidents
  • Spill response
  • Data handling, interpretation and report writing
  • GIS data output and presentation

Applications

  •  Phase I and Phase II Habitat Surveys
  • Ecological Impact Assessment
  • Great Crested Newt Habitat Assessment
  • Baseline and Biodiversity survey and assessment
  • Biological water quality assessment
  • Assessment of Ecological Status according to the Water Framework Directive and Habitats Directive.
  • Invasive aquatic and riparian plant surveys e.g. Himalayan Balsam, Giant Hogweed and Japanese Knotweed
  • River corridor and River habitats surveys
  • Scoping/feasibility assessments
  • Water quality assessment in accordance with the Freshwater fish Directive
  • Ecological monitoring – long and short term