An Introduction to Crayfish Monitoring
Saturday 31 May 2008
Location: County Kildare, Ireland
Participant Standard: Beginner - Intermediate
Tutor(s): Julian Reynolds
The workshop will discuss monitoring methods and rationale before visiting sites on the River Barrow for hands-on trials to see how effective they are in different situations. Direct methods include Selective Manual Survey, Trapping, Mark-Recapture; indirect include cast shells and otter spraints. Results will be set in the context of this species in Ireland.
Further details about the workshop
This workshop will cover:
- Brief introduction to crayfish (native and invasive species);
- Direct and indirect techniques for monitoring crayfish;
- Ecology and habitat requirements of white-clawed crayfish; and
- Licensing, legislation and conservation issues.
The field-based day will include a river site to see trapping, and a stream site some 10 km away where manual sampling with be practiced. We will evaluate and discuss techniques for different habitats, and introduce the literature.
Who should attend this workshop?
Environmental consultants and conservation volunteers alike looking to increase their knowledge about freshwater crayfish, including how to monitor their populations.
Anything participants need to know/read before coming on the training event, or need to have with them?
Bring with you:
- Wellington Boots / Waders; and
- Packed lunch
What will participants learn from the workshop (learning outcomes)?
- How to identify and survey for crayfish
- Problems with potential invasive alien species
Programme:
10:30 Workshop start: Introduction - Health and Safety briefing; information packs
11.00 Walk to River Barrow site to examine traps
12.00 Slate River site – indirect and direct survey methods
12:45 Lunch
13:30 Second session at Slate River
15.00 Discussion, questions and answers
16:00 Finish, collect feedback forms and give out CPD certificates
Cost: £60 (or €90) IEEM members, £120 (or €180) non-members.