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.