Site Condition Monitoring Records from surveys of lamprey species in five river SACs in Scotland
NatureScot
Description
This compilation of surveys is being provided as an interim measure to help meet the requirements of Article 17 Surveillance reporting. The data will be resubmitted at a later date for publication on the Gateway as multiple surveys with individual metadata. </br>
The dataset includes absence records
Geographic Description
Scotland
Purpose
The three lamprey species present in UK (brook lamprey Lampetra planeri, river lamprey L. fluviatilis and sea lamprey Petromyzon marinus) are listed on Annex IIa of the Habitats Directive, reflecting concern over widespread declines across their European range. Five Scottish rivers known to hold good populations of lampreys have been selected as candidate Special Areas of Conservation (cSAC). Records of lampreys outside these rivers are relatively scarce. More information on lamprey distribution is required to assess how representative are the cSAC rivers, and to monitor population trends.
Data quality
Records derive from commissioned surveys by specialists, using established methodology, and should have a high level of confidence.
However, recent surveys are not yet published and still require quality assurance.
Methods
Semi-quantitative, timed electric fishing was used throughout. Surveyors fished over patches of suitable habitat for 5 minutes using smooth DC. Lamprey ammocoetes and transformers attracted from the substrate were captured in dip nets. The numbers of five-minute samples taken from each habitat unit varied with the area of suitable lamprey habitat, more samples being taken from larger habitat units than from small units. Total time fished was recorded. On completion, the area covered was measured in order that a minimum density could be calculated.</br>
Lamprey habitat units were scored as either optimal or sub-optimal using the simple two-point key used by Harvey & Cowx (2003). This defines optimal habitat as stable, fine sediment (silt/sand) to a depth of 15 cm or more, in slow flowing well oxygenated water, often with fine layer of organic detritus. Sub-optimal habitat is characterised by a patchy or shallow covering of fine sediment among larger substrates. </br>
Lampreys were anaesthetised using 2-phenoxy ethanol and were examined on white measuring boards. All lampreys were identified to the lowest possible taxonomic level and measured to the nearest mm. Surveyors were required to complete pro-forma field sheets..
Citation
NatureScot ([Insert download year]). Site Condition Monitoring Records from surveys of lamprey species in five river SACs in Scotland. Occurrence dataset on the NBN Atlas
Rights
OGL
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Digitised records
Looking up... the number of records that can be accessed through the NBN Atlas. This resource was last checked for updated data on 14 Apr 2023. The most recent data was published on 14 Apr 2023.
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