Study Methods: Field Equipment, Sampling and Methods

Abstract

This appendix examines the field methods for fish monitoring in estuaries, including 'traditional' sampling techniques (nets and traps), and the more recent acoustic and visual detection, and DNA-based methods. The features, advantages and disadvantages of each technique are presented (e.g. applicability to given habitat conditions, selectivity, efficiency, standardisation and fitness-for-purpose for recording different aspects of fish ecology), with best practice examples from study cases worldwide. The context of monitoring strategies for fish in estuaries, including legislative constraints and requirements, as well as key considerations for designing a fish monitoring programme (e.g. spatial and temporal variability) is also given.