Ichthyology

Aquatic ecosystems are subject to constant change due to construction projects, land use planning, pollutant inputs or fishing. Fish and fish communities are also affected by these changes and are influenced depending on their utilisation requirements in the affected areas. In order to record these changes, the IfAÖ investigates selected ecological parameters of fish communities using all common fishing methods. For this purpose, we have at our disposal electrofishing gear, bottom-set nets, hauling seines, purse seines, sinkers, cast nets, bongo nets, longlines, Hams, pelagic and bottom trawls, beam trawls as well as fish traps (for more information, see equipment and work boat). With our specialised and trained team of biologists, we carry out sampling and analysis directly on site or in our own laboratory. As a result, we derive trends and ecological risks and evaluate them according to the given questions (e.g. FFH, WFD, MSFD).

Our areas of operation range from the North Sea and the Baltic Sea to flowing and still waters and even very small bodies of water. For these assignments, we use our own comprehensive logistics (cars, transporters, work boats, aluminium and inflatable boats, mobile laboratory) or work together with our long-term ship charter partners.