Quantifying Fish Populations in SSSI Lakes

Tender description

Defra procuring on behalf of Natural England. The aim of this contract to be undertaken in two phases is to: • Undertake detailed fisheries surveys producing quantitative density estimates of fish in 20 lakes whose condition is thought to be at risk from fisheries related impacts. • Produce site-specific summary management plans for the 20 lakes surveyed. The surveys are to form Phase 1 (funding confirmed) of the contract to be undertaken in the late summer months of 2015. The surveys are to use the distinct survey protocols for shallow (nominally < 3 m) and deep (nominally > 3 m) lakes outlined below. Summary outputs of the surveys in the form of raw survey data and quantitative estimates of total fish and species-specific numerical and biomass density are to be supplied by 11th December 2015. Phase 2 of the contract, dependent on funding availability, provisionally set for completion by 12th December 2016 is to compile individual summary lake management plans outlining the likely role of fish relative to other stressors in determining lake condition. These summaries are to be supplied within an overarching summary of potential fisheries related impacts upon SSSI lakes.