SFCC members have developed fish and habitat survey protocols to ensure that data are collected to a high standard. Unlike other fish and habitat survey methods, those used by the SFCC were developed specifically for fisheries management applications. By using common methods, fish and habitat data can be compared both locally and nationally across Scotland. Regular workshops are organised to allow members to review the methods that have been developed in the light of recent research.
Electrofishing and habitat surveying protocols can be viewed and are available to download:
Other downloadable documents:
Other SFCC protocols include one for "Sea trout netting & sea lice sampling" and "Sampling large water bodies"
Databases
Customised electrofishing surveys and habitat surveys have been developed. An electrofishing database, designed to store electrofishing survey data, has recently being redeveloped as a web-based system and is available to registered users.
The electrofishing database includes error checking and output to spreadsheet. The electrofishing database also includes density calculations and report output. Information from the database can be displayed in Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and used with other datasets for mapping and analysis. The SFCC co-ordinates the supply of such datasets with support from Marine Scotland.
An online Catch Database or Angling Diary has also recently been developed as a web-based system and is available.
Options for updating habitat surveys are currently being considered.