3 research outputs found
Evaluation of NRA tracking studies. Future projects and technical development
Fish tracking is a valuable technique for the provision of detailed information on the
behaviour patterns of individual fish especially during estuarine and riverine migration.
2. Tracking studies help in the provision of a comprehensive description of the variety offish
behaviour patterns in response to factors such as water flow, obstructions and water
quality.
3. There are advantages to be gained by complementing fish tracking studies with data
collected from fish counters and vice versa.
4. An overall evaluation of NRA fish tracking projects is presented in the wider context of
NRA strategic research objectives.
5. The requirement for future development of tracking equipment, improved data analysis
techniques, better communication and more immediate report preparation is identified.
6. Individual project evaluation is given for NRA (or the appropriate Water Authority
predecessor) tracking studies conducted on the Ribble estuary, the River Tamar, River
Torridge, Rivers Test and Itchen, River Lodden, the Welsh River Dee, River Glaslyn,
River Taff, River Tawe, River Tywi, River Usk, Rivers Avon and Stour and the River
Frome.
7. An outline for future strategic research is provided which identifies particular areas for
study:-
i) Identification of environmental factors which control the entry of fish into rivers.
ii) Improvement of the understanding of the relationship between water flow and
upstream movement of salmonids.
iii) Examination of the detailed movements and behaviour of fish in relation to
obstructions.
iv) Closer definition of water quality requirements for salmonid fish.
v) Definition of habitat preferences of salmonids in rivers.
vi) Subsidiary topics such as the movements of non-salmonid fish and the downstream
migration of kelts and juvenile salmonids