Fish Surveys and Fish Rescue

Our fish surveys and fish rescue services support developers, engineering consultancies, infrastructure projects and selected private clients where works in or around water could affect fish populations or habitat.

We provide specialist aquatic ecology surveys to establish species presence, population condition and ecological constraints, alongside fish rescue and relocation where construction or maintenance activities could otherwise impact fish.

When is a Fish Rescue required?

Fish rescue is often required where construction, maintenance or restoration works could otherwise strand, injure or impact fish populations.

Typical situations include:

• Dewatering river channels
• Bridge and culvert construction
• Canal and watercourse maintenance
• River restoration projects
• Drainage and flood defence works
• Reservoir and pond works
• Emergency infrastructure repairs

Our aquatic ecologists use controlled survey and rescue methods, including electrofishing where appropriate, to safely capture, assess and relocate fish under relevant environmental controls.

These surveys and mitigation measures help clients reduce project risk, support environmental approvals and keep works progressing responsibly.

Who we work with

Our fish surveys and fish rescue services support a wide range of sectors requiring ecological evidence, mitigation and environmental compliance.

Typical clients include:

• Property developers supporting planning and environmental approvals
• Civil engineering contractors delivering works in and around water
• Utilities and water companies managing assets and maintenance
• Infrastructure and transport projects
• Renewable energy developments
• Local authorities and public sector schemes
• Environmental organisations and restoration projects
• Selected private landowners and rural estates

Our role is to provide robust ecological evidence, reduce environmental risk and help projects progress efficiently while protecting fish populations and aquatic habitats.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a fish survey before construction works?

Fish surveys are often required where works in or around water could affect fish populations, habitats or migration routes. Survey findings can support environmental assessments, planning applications and project approvals.

How is a fish rescue carried out?

Fish rescue is typically completed using controlled survey methods, including electrofishing where appropriate, to safely capture, assess and relocate fish before works begin.

When is a fish rescue required?

Fish rescue may be needed before dewatering, river engineering, culvert replacement, restoration projects or other activities that could strand or impact fish.

How long does a fish survey take?

Survey duration depends on the site size, survey objectives, access and methodology. Some surveys can be completed within a day, while larger infrastructure projects may require phased survey work.