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Habitat
Background
Catchment-wide fish habitat surveys are an integral part of fisheries management and research. Surveys provide baseline data on river habitat quality and an assessment of the presence on features likely to affect quality. However, many of the existing habitat survey methodologies, such as the River Habitat Survey (RHS) have not been developed with specific reference to fish habitat.
The Scottish Fisheries Co-ordination Centre (SFCC) has developed a habitat survey method that addresses the needs of fisheries managers and researchers, specifically to assess habitat for juvenile salmon and trout. The protocol represents a consensus view by specialist fisheries biologists from around Scotland, whose organisations are members of the SFCC.
Like the electrofishing protocol, habitat data collected to a common standard can be compared within and between river catchments. Surveyors must attend a training course to gain the necessary theoretical background and practical experience for applying the SFCC habitat protocol successfully in the field
Protocol use
The survey methodology was developed with specific reference to juvenile Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) and brown/sea trout (Salmo trutta L.). The protocol can be used by trained surveyors to:
Protocol methods
A survey plan is completed before undertaking any habitat surveys. The purpose of the survey influences the type of information to be collected, the timing of the survey, the length of stretches to be surveyed, and access permissions required for the targeted stretches. The protocol gives recommendations on these areas.
Habitat recording sheets are divided into sections. The surveyor records data fields in the sections which relate to the survey purpose and therefore the precise survey method will vary. The sections for completion are: