Our most recent experience working on the largest biomanipulation project in the UK has involved most of our fisheries staff in various works from planning and developing novel survey methods to night time surveys and comparative works to gain a holistic view of the project and it's site when compared to the surrounding environment. We have contributed to modelling fisheries habitats through our development of mathematical models that predict spawning site quality and we have enabled GIS mapping of such sites through this approach. In collaboration with our project partners we have designed novel fish traps for physical fish sampling and innovative ways of biomanipulating fish stocks without the physical capture traditionally associated with such activity.

Fishtrack provide services for biomanipulation projects, and biomanipulation techniques for shallow lakes and still-waters. We provide advice, guidance and practical support for all biomanipulation projects, and design projects from initial proposal through inception to completion. We have more than 20 years of experience in this field.

We undertake pre restoration assessments and surveys of all kinds, fish removal and translocation operations as well as top-up removals and post biomanipulation monitoring.  We provide active and passive surveying and capture methodologies.  We advise on lake restoration and biomanipulation to NGO’s, conservation groups, organisations and Government Agencies.

Young roach captured during electrofishing surveys during a pre- biomanipluation  phase of a project to restore a shallow lowland lake. The immobilisation of densely packed fish is seen towards the end of the video. Overall numbers of roach in this small, relatively confined system were estimated around 500,000 fish!

Part of any lake restoration strategy is to assess the status of the fish population. This includes cyprinids and especially bream. Pre- biomanipulation works look at the bream populations in such shallow lakes as those opposite, and in this case the video is showing the extent of spawning activity on lilies, a sub optimal spawning habitat. Closer look underwater reveals why this should be so.

/  Biomanipulation