SEPA scientists surprised & delighted by Clyde estuary fish

[Nick]

.
4 August 2010

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.

[Gordonmc]

"•Pipefish - close relatives of the Sea-Horse up to 30cm long."
Don't tell anyone on TOP - they'll be banning our anchors out of spite.

[Telo]

I'm wondering why mullet are deemed to be "interesting". Used to see them a lot at Clyde Marina in Ardrossan, and I always found them to be pretty boring.