Methods and Techniques for Sampling, Monitoring and Analyse Freshwater Fish

Description

Freshwater fish are considered as the most threatened group of vertebrates in Portugal, where 63% of these species are classified as Critically Endangered (CR), Endangered (EN) or Vulnerable (VU), making it urgent the development of technical and scientific studies aiming to enhance the knowledge about this group of species and contribute to their conservation and sustainable management. Moreover, fish assemblages, together with the study of their characteristics, are fundamental elements to measure the ecological status of freshwater ecosystems within the Water Framework Directive. Considering the important of this group, this course aims to provide the interested audience with the basic knowledge to apply different methods and techniques to sample, monitor and analyse freshwater fish populations.

Contents of this course are:

– Theoretical component (~8h): (i) Introduction to freshwater fish from Portuguese rivers; (ii) Catch to study and monitor: using electric fishing and experimental nets for standardized sampling of freshwater fish; (iii) Monitoring fish movements and behaviour with biotelemetry; (iv) Using molecular biology techniques to monitor fish populations; (v) Analysis and monitoring of contaminants in freshwater fish; (vi) Methods to analyse and model species distribution in freshwater environments.

– Practical component (~4h): Field trip to a local river, nearby Évora (e.g., Degebe River) for practical demonstration of the main fish sampling methods (e.g., electric fishing) and the use of biotelemetry equipment for fish tagging and monitoring.

Coordinator(s)

Pedro Raposo de Almeida
Carlos Manuel Alexandre

Lecturer(s)

Bernardo Ruivo Quintella
Catarina Sofia Mateus
Sílvia Pedro
Joana Boavida-Portugal

Responsible Unit

MARE – Marine and Environmental Sciences Center of University of Évora.

Recipients

University students, master’s students, doctoral students and interested professionals.

Requirements

Not applicable

Minimum number of participants

10

Maximum number of participants

20

Price

Students: 50€
General Public: 75€

Participation certification

Yes

Detailed program

Download here

Schedule

14h to 18h