Electro fishing on the Corfe River

Electro fishing on the Corfe River

An important part of monitoring and improving the health of a river is monitoring the fish population and a recent survey of the Corfe River discovered five different species, some of which are not generally seen as they are usually very elusive.

In partnership with the National Trust and funded by the Environment Agency, an electro-fishing survey has recently been conducted on the Corfe River by the Global Environmental Solutions team from Bournemouth University to update our knowledge and understanding of which fish species are in the river. At specific locations along the watercourse, an electric current was used to stun and capture the fish inhabiting the river. Working swiftly and calmly, the experts identified and measured the fish before safely returning them to the river unharmed. This surveying technique enables us to gather valuable data which provides a benchmark for identifying changes in the fish population and informing future river management decisions. The survey revealed five different species of fish of varying size and at different stages of the life cycle: brown trout, European eel, brook lamprey, minnow and bullhead.

 

 

The Corfe River Project is a partnership project led by Dorset Wildlife Trust and works with local landowners and businesses in the catchment area to find ways of improving the health of the Corfe River to benefit wildlife and enhance biodiversity in the local area.

The surveys have given us a much more precise understanding of which fish species are living in the Corfe River. Our thanks go to the National Trust and the team from Bournemouth University for all their hard work and expertise.
Amanda Broom, Catchment Manager
Dorset Wildlife Trust