Lamprey Survey and Condition Assessment - River Itchen Special Area of Conservation (SAC)
Carcinus Ltd was commissioned by Natural England and the Environment Agency to undertake a catchment wide lamprey population study on the River Itchen, Hampshire.
Ecological field surveys were undertaken by our team of specialist fisheries ecologists to assess the condition of brook lamprey within the River Itchen SAC and SSSI using quantitative survey protocols.
Benthic Ecology and Sediment Chemistry Survey - East Cowes
Carcinus Ltd provided specialist marine survey and reporting services in relation to a new vessel lay-by berth within the entrance to the River Medina, East Cowes.
A comprehensive marine benthic ecology and sediment chemistry sampling programme was delivered for the purposes of informing a marine licence application for dredge spoil disposal and an ecological impact assessment.
River Habitat Survey & Impact Assessment - Winchester Flood Alleviation Scheme
Carcinus Ltd was commissioned by Hampshire County Council (HCC) to deliver river habitat surveys and impact assessment consultancy services with a focus on fish ecology in support of a proposed flood alleviation project on the River Itchen.
An ecological baseline characterisation of the existing fisheries and fish habitats and initial environmental assessment was required to inform engineering design descisions.
A scoping assessment and supporting surveys were undertaken, the aim being to provide an initial understanding of the existing conditions and to outline potential impacts associated with the scheme. The assessment took the form of a preliminary Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) focused on fish ecology.
Fish Habitat Assessment and Enhancement Study - Botley Bypass Highways Project
Carcinus Ltd was commissioned to deliver fish habitat assessment surveys and habitat enhancement consultancy services to support a high-profile highways project.
Comprehensive fisheries ecology surveys were undertaken to identify, map and characterise fish habitats and comprised detailed walkover assessments. Surveys utilised in-house habitat mapping and field data acquisition software to record all features characteristic of salmonid, lamprey and coarse fish habitats.
In addition, a detailed ecological baseline study was undertaken, drawing on existing data sources and direct consultation with statutory and non-statutory stakeholders. The study assessed the fish assemblage present within the study area, their ecological status and identified environmental pressures. Habitat improvement and enhancement options were also identified.
Pre-Dredge Benthic Ecology Survey - Chichester Harbour
Carcinus Ltd was commissioned in support of maintenance dredge operations within the navigation channel of Emsworth Yacht Harbour.
An initial pre-dredge survey was undertaken to assess the general benthic ecology and substrate composition of Treloar Hole (the disposal site), located within the entrance of Chichester Harbour, prior to the disposal of spoil material.
Data was collected by divers holding HSE Part IV qualifications with a wide range of scientific experience, including ecology, photography and videography.
Recordings of the substrate composition and faunal community were made within 0.25 m2 quadrats laid out along a cruciform transect. Stills images were taken of each quadrat and a continuous video of the site recorded for contextual purposes.
Ecological Survey, Habitat Restoration and Management Plan
Carcinus Ltd was contracted by a local Council to assess the aquatic ecology of a freshwater balance pond and produce a detailed habitat restoration and management plan as part of an amenity improvement drive.
The pond was in need of habitat restoration and management to address a range of pressures and pre-existing ecological issues including heavy silting, lack of freshwater input and foul odours as well as excessive leaf fall, historic fish kills and infestation by invasive non-native species (INNS).
Shellfish Hygiene - Water Quality Assessments
On behalf of the Food Standards Agency, Carcinus Ltd are undertaking water quality assessments to determine provisional representative monitoring points and boundaries for new shellfish harvesting areas in England and Wales for 2017 to 2019.
Assessments are focused on the geographic, hydrodynamic and environmental characteristics of the area and the identification and assessment of risk from any potential sources of faecal and chemical contamination.