Freshwater ecological surveys are an important part of understanding the health of a waterway. These types of surveys are essential for understanding the impact human activities have on aquatic ecosystems, and can provide valuable insights into potential mitigative solutions to ensure legislative, moral and social compliance.
The value of Freshwater Ecological Surveys
Freshwater ecological surveys involve looking at the composition and abundance of species within a specific waterway, as well as assessing any physical or chemical characteristics that might be affecting it. This data is used to create a comprehensive picture of how healthy a waterway is, and what changes need to be made in order to ensure its future health. This kind of survey also helps us to identify any potential threats that may be present in the environment, such as pollution or invasive species.
In addition to providing us with a wealth of data regarding the current state of our waterways, freshwater ecological surveys also provide us with an opportunity to compare past survey results with those from more recent years. This allows us to track changes over time, helping us to better understand how certain factors – such as mining developments, climate change or increased urbanisation – can affect aquatic ecosystems.
The benefits for businesses
For businesses operating near water bodies or using them for various purposes (such as agriculture or mining), having access to detailed information regarding the quality and composition of your local rivers, and lakes can be invaluable. By conducting regular freshwater ecological surveys, businesses will gain insight into how their activities are impacting aquatic life – allowing them to make informed decisions about how best to minimise any negative effects they may have on their local environment. It is critical that these forms of surveys are undertaken prior to development to allow mitigative strategies to be implemented from the projects conception.
Why choose Trace to undertake your freshwater ecological surveys?
Trace Enterprises team of seasoned marine and freshwater biologists can help you meet regulatory requirements to obtain development approvals, all while safeguarding delicate ecosystems. Our experts will design long-term strategies for protecting these invaluable aquatic habitats - giving your development projects the best chance of succeeding.
Our process
A Level 1 survey consists of a desktop study and basic ground-truthing through a reconnaissance survey. The desktop study aims to gather background information on the project area by searching literature and data sources and map-based information. The reconnaissance survey should verify the accuracy of the desktop study, delineate, and characterise the freshwater floral and faunal assemblages present in the project area, and identify potential threats and impacts. If the Level 1 survey indicates the need for further work through a Level 2 survey, it may range from a targeted survey of selected species to a comprehensive survey. If a region is well surveyed but conservation significant fauna or flora are identified during a Level 1 survey as possibly occurring, then a targeted survey may be required for these species.
A Level 2 Survey provides information on the project area through one or more visit/s in each season appropriate to the bioregion and the faunal or floral group being surveyed.
Our freshwater services include:
- Level 1 desktop surveys
- Level 2 surveys
- Threatened species fauna and flora surveys
- Targeted Surveys
- Remote sensing surveys
- Fauna/flora and habitat interaction assessments
- Flora habitat assessments
- Flora condition assessment and mapping
- Water analysis
All aquatic fauna/flora assessments can be done in conjunction with water quality testing, monitoring and analysis where applicable.
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