Twaite shad (Alosa fallax) spawning survey in the River Teme

Tender description

Defra procuring on behalf of Natural England. In order to determine if a population of Twaite shad is still spawning in the River Teme, this project will undertake a programme of kick sampling at six suitable locations identified in a habitat survey conducted for Natural England in 2014. This will provide a baseline for surveys in future years. The kick sampling needs to occur when water temperatures on the Teme reach 12 oC. This is likely to be in May, but could occur in late April or early June and we ask the contractor to be able to accommodate this. A sub sample of the eggs will be genetically analysed to QA the results and also determine if any Allas shad (Alosa alosa), or hybrids between the two species are also be spawning in the Teme. This project will require landowner permission to access sampling sites, SSSI consent from Natural England, and a permit from the Environment Agency, which the Natural England project officer will obtain.