Our fish and macro invertebrate surveys are undertaken by experienced staff and are meticulously addressed and approached with cost-effective sampling protocols and high data integrity.
Native Fish Surveys
Native fish are good indicators of wetland condition as their survival depends on:
- Well oxygenated habitats
- Low nutrients (low ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, phosphate etc.)
- Low abundance of parasites and bacteria
- Lack of feral fish
- Abundance of food resources (i.e. macro invertebrates, algae, macrophytes)
- Shelter habitat
- Water regimes
Methods used to sample for fish species include snorkeling, diving, electrofishing (in accordance with the Australian Code of Electrofishing Practice) and netting (siene, gill net and fyke nets). Through many years of survey experience, we have identified key habitat requirements for certain species and those microsites can be targeted when sampling. We can also undertake ecological impact assessments on threatened fish species in accordance with the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950, and the Fish Resources Management Act 1994.
Macro/Micro Invertebrate Surveys
Macro/Micro invertebrate surveys are considered critical requirements for wetland health assessments and management plans because they are bioindicators of water quality.
- Invertebrates are sampled using 50-micron dip nets.
Due to the high diversity of scientifically undescribed invertebrate species in Australian ecosystems (or the Taxonomic Impediment) we have established well-proven standardized and comparable protocols for cost-effective and comprehensive sampling of baseline species assemblages.
The high integrity of these taxonomic inventories or reference collections allows peer-reviewed comparisons of impacts at pre- and post-restoration stages on all three components of ecosystem biodiversity. Impact assessment and monitoring therefore focuses on achieving Completion Criteria based on biodiversity components such as habitat structure, species diversity and composition. While ecosystem health and function are diagnosed using recognized bio-indicator species.
Frequently asked questions
Simply head to our contact us page, call or email with your details and we can start with on-site consult.
Mostly feral fish in urban areas but on some rare cases – Western Pygmy Perch (Nannoperca vitata), Western Minnows (Galaxias occidentalis), Gilgies (Cherax quinquecarinatus). We have also come accross the Night fish (Bostockia porosa), Freshwater Cobbler (Tandanus bostocki) and Carters Freshwater Mussels (Westralunio carteri)
PASES Aqua commonly undertakes surveys from Margaret river – Yanchep. But will travel anywhere if required.
We want to see good numbers of fish and invertebrates native to the area, but also hope to find no introduced pest species. Good native biodiversity in the same body of water is another great sign of a healthy waterway.
Any introduced (feral) species are not returned to the water and get euthanised humanely
Related services
We have the drive, the passion, and the knowledge to help you. We employ the right people with a strong background in fish, and/or qualifications in Biology or Aquaculture and/or related fields
