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Fish stock surveys are used to gain insight into the composition and health of the fish population in Dutch inland waters. Municipalities, sports fishing associations and water boards use the results to make responsible decisions about water management, fish stocking and ecological monitoring. A healthy fish population says a lot about water quality and the ecosystem as a whole. Now that the growing season is ending and carp are actively gathering food for the winter, September is the time to conduct fish stock surveys; the results then provide a good overview of recent trends as well as possible bottlenecks. <\/p>\n
Research is usually conducted by professional fishermen in cooperation with ecologists. They have permits and expertise to catch, analyze and release fish in an animal-friendly manner. The combination of ecological knowledge and practical fishing techniques makes the research reliable and effective. <\/p>\n
A fish stock survey begins with choosing an appropriate trapping method. In smaller waters such as ditches and ponds, electric fishing is often used. This method temporarily stuns fish with an electric current, after which they can be safely measured and surveyed. In larger waters, one uses a seine, a large trawl that effectively fishes larger areas. <\/p>\n