SEPA scientists surprised and delighted by Clyde estuary
fish
4 August 2010
EXT01 – B01
Scientists from Scotland’s environment
watchdog have described work to survey fish in the Clyde Estuary
and Garnock Estuary as “like being on Springwatch” after they found
over 20 species, including some rather unusual specimens.
The work, by the Scottish Environment
Protection Agency (SEPA) was completed in the spring and will be
repeated in the autumn. It was carried out to establish the health
of our estuarine fish populations. Diversity and abundance of
estuarine fish is a barometer of the health of the marine
environment as they are mobile, relatively long lived and found
near the top of the food chain. Estuaries also act as
important nursery areas for young fish.
Stephen Nowacki said: “Those of us who have
been out taking part in the sampling work have been surprised and
delighted by our findings. The waters support a very good diversity
of fish species, the communities are thriving and appear to be very
healthy.”
Among some of the more interesting species
recovered were:
- Dragonets – with beautiful colouration more reminiscent of
tropical fish.
- Pipefish - close relatives of the Sea-Horse up to 30cm
long.
- Snake Blennies and Viviparous Blennies – both cold-water
species of potential value to monitor climate change
- Mullets –– vegetarian fish, up to 60cm long.
- Sand Smelts – a small fish which shoals in shallow waters. This
seems to be rather uncommon in Clyde waters and has not been seen
here previously by SEPA scientists.
Myles O’Reilly added: “Our spring surveys have
recovered over 20 fish species, and as well as the more usual fish
we have also seen massive shoals of sprat and many juveniles of
important commercial species such as sole, plaice, dab, herring and
cod. Large populations of flounder are present right up to
Glasgow City centre, supporting seabirds such as cormorants and
guillemots.”
Sampling involves the use of a variety of
fishing methods, including seabed and mid water trawls from SEPA’s
survey vessel and, in the intertidal areas, using seine nets
operated by hand or setting up Fyke nets to trap the fish
overnight. SEPA aims to harm no fish during survey and the fish are
returned to the water.
The survey programme aims to assess the
diversity and abundance of estuarine fish communities and is used
to classify for the Water Framework Directive. Further work will be
done elsewhere around Scotland’s coastline over the next few
years,
Ends
Notes to editors
Photographs of a dragonet and mullet are
available, as well as an example of a fyke net trap. Please email
publicrelations@sepa.org.uk
for copies.