SFCC members have developed fish and habitat survey protocols to ensure that data are collected to a high standard. Unlike other fish and habitat survey methods, those used by the SFCC were developed specifically for fisheries management applications. By using common methods, fish and habitat data can be compared both locally and nationally across Scotland. Regular workshops are organised to allow members to review the methods that have been developed in the light of recent research.
Electrofishing and habitat surveying protocols can be viewed and are available to download:
The Scottish Invasive Non Native Riparian Plant Species Mapping Protocols (INNS Protocols) can be viewed and are available to download:
New protocols include one for "Sea trout netting & sea lice sampling" and "Sampling large water bodies".
Databases
Customised electrofishing and habitat databases have been developed to store and analyse survey information from electrofishing surveys and habitat surveys. Both databases include error checking and output to spreadsheet. The electrofishing database also includes density calculations and report output. Information from the databases can be displayed in Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and used with other datasets for mapping and analysis. The SFCC co-ordinates the supply of such datasets with support from Marine Scotland.
The existing electrofishing database is currently being redeveloped as a web-based system, while options are being considered for similarly updating the habitat database. Further databases are expected to be developed in the future.