Fish are an important part of the aquatic ecosystem.  The composition of the fish population in a certain water is a good representation of the habitat-diversity and the presence of nutrients in a specific water, and with that the overall ecological quality of the water.

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Fish stock research includes research on the size- and the way fish stocks are composed. Usually this research is commissioned by water managers and/or other ecological research firms in order to assess the ecological state of a water. This is done in the context of the European Water Framework Directive, as well as other national or international legislation. Also, fish stock research can be done for angling clubs.

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For the execution of all WFD-related research we make use of a standardized method, based on the guidelines as described in “Handboek Hydrobiologie” by Stowa (Foundation for Applied Research in Watermanagement, The Netherlands), 2010. This is the so called BOM-method (Fished-surface-method). Where possible, we also aim to use this standardized BOM-method for non-WFD related research. By doing this the data is collected as uniform as possible, and remains usable for water managers and other organizations. Custom work such as different fishing methods or special wishes are also possible, we would gladly discuss the possibilities with you.

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Targeted research on, for example, the presence or absence of one or a few specific species is also possible. This may be (lawfully) required as preparation for water-related activities like dredging, or changing/moving/closing waterways. An example could be researching the presence of the European weatherfish.

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For the execution of fish stock research we make use of fish traps, and an electrofishing device (shores and small waters), and seine-fishing or a dragnet (open waters). The choice of which method to use is made based on the ‘Handboek Hydrobiologie’ and the requirements listed in it. Where necessary and/or possible we work together with professional fishermen.

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The research on specific species and their presence in small waters is done using fish traps, scoop nets (RAVON net, 55x70x60cm, meshsize 3mm) and an electrofishing kit.

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