Aquatic EcologY Services

Fish Studies

ESI provides an exceptional breadth of services related to fish and fisheries management issues.  We have worked on many kinds of studies, with wildly disparate goals, for a variety of Clients.  We have completed survival studies at hydroelectric facilities, developed disturbance-monitoring plans (including federally-threatened species) for the mining industry, and advised on the size and configuration of culverts to allow fish passage on DOT projects.

We use standard collection methods and protocols including the Environmental Protection Agencies (EPA’s) Rapid Bioassessment Protocols.  We collect and identify species to calculate species richness and composition metrics for ranking of waterbody health.  We use EPA’s Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI) to evaluate pollution tolerance, trophic function, abundance, and fish community condition.

We are competent with all types of fish sampling techniques including:

• gill nets.
• hoop nets
• seining
• electrofishing – backpack tote-barge and 18-foot boat
• Missouri modified benthic trawling methods
• hook and line
• SCUBA and/or snorkeling

Click on this link to view specific project experience: AQUATIC ECOLOGY