Crayfish Survey and Mitigation+

Crayfish Survey and Mitigation



Course convenor(s): Elaine Richmond (CEnv MIEEM) and Mark Lang (CEnv MIEEM) Date: 16+17/09/2009 Course length: 2 day Venue: Cresswell Associates, The Mill, Brimscombe Port, Stroud, GL5 2QG Course fee: £300 5% or 10% discount available if 2+ / 4+ courses are booked respectively Outline: This course provides information on the biology of native and introduced crayfish, and their conservation status and legal status. It covers survey methodologies and habitat assessment for crayfish, and discusses (with case studies) the types of impacts development projects can cause to crayfish populations, and how these impacts can be mitigated for. A field trip will demonstrate examples of safe survey and handling techniques. Further information: Cresswell Associates The Mill, Brimscombe Port Stroud, GL5 2QG T: +44 (0) 1453 731 231 F: +44 (0) 1453 888 797 Download a printable (pdf) copy of this page [here] Download a booking form: Word Format \| PDF format		Target audience: This course is aimed at those who wish to undertake surveys for native crayfish and gain an understanding of the legal requirements and implications for development including likely mitigation measures. Aims: To provide: an introduction to crayfish biology an introduction to the status of crayfish, their legal protection and licensing requirements information on identification of native crayfish and other introduced crayfish species an introduction to crayfish survey techniques practical case studies incorporating crayfish mitigation To assess: impacts of development projects on crayfish populations To demonstrate: how to identify and handle crayfish without causing distress and injury crayfish survey techniques in the field how to avoid spread of crayfish plague good practice in mitigating impacts resulting from development projects that affect crayfish At the end of the course you should be able to: distinguish between native and other crayfish species describe crayfish biology and distribution define the triggers for crayfish surveys		survey for and handle crayfish in the field, incorporating appropriate plague prevention measures describe the legal protection afforded to native crayfish and advise clients on licensing requirements carry out appropriate impact assessments for development projects on crayfish populations design appropriate measures to avoid, reduce or off-set the impacts of development projects on crayfish populations Course content: Lectures Crayfish biology and distribution Legislation and licensing issues affecting crayfish Survey techniques for crayfish Assessing the impacts of development projects on crayfish Mitigating impacts of development projects on crayfish Fieldwork Plague prevention protocol Identification of suitable crayfish habitat Stone turning and trapping for native crayfish Torch light survey for non native crayfish species Additional information/requirements: Participants will require thigh waders cleaned of mud and well aired and dried, and for preference their own torch suitable for nocturnal survey (500,000 to 1 million candle power) A list of local accommodation is available on request.