Southern IFCA small fish survey – 2016 Fish Monitoring

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The final fish survey of the year was carried out in Autumn, the details of which can be seen in an earlier post on the Reserves blog. This post shows even more beautiful images of the fascinating species that were seen on these surveys. Simon Pengelly, Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Officer of Southern IFCA lead the surveys this year and has provided us with a comprehensive statement of what Southern IFCA is all about.

“Southern Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (IFCA) has a duty to lead, champion and manage a sustainable marine environment and inshore fisheries in the coastal waters of Dorset, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight by successfully securing the right balance between social, environmental and economic benefits to ensure healthy seas, sustainable fisheries and a viable industry.

Estuarine and coastal waterbodies, such as The Fleet, are highly productive and biodiverse areas that provide nursery habitats for juvenile fish as well as those species which remain in the nearshore for their full life cycle.  These small fish surveys will provide us with important information to help us understand the seasonal and annual changes in estuarine fish communities over time so as to ensure that we can manage these valuable sites effectively. We are grateful for the help and support of the Fleet and Chesil Reserve, Dorset Wildlife Trust, Natural England and the Environment Agency, as well as members of the Fleet Study Group during these surveys.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The team aim to repeat these successful surveys next year to continue monitoring the health and diversity of this unique lagoon. Good luck to all involved.