The University
of Hull Fisheries Institute was established back in 1989.
So we have a long reputation within the region
and also nationally in providing expertise in fisheries science.
My day job mixes teaching students about fisheries
science and educating them in environmental issues.
And then also I undertake research and collaborative
work with various companies such as Yorkshire Water
Conservation Agencies and the Environment Agency.
So in the freshwater environment there's lots of threats.
Water quality is a major issue, but a company like Yorkshire
Water is trying to improve the environment by looking at
how the flow from their reservoirs impacts on fish populations.
The work that we do is looking at improving river flow in reservoirs
and rehabilitating river sections to try and help
make those fish populations sustainable.
To understand our fish populations
we need to actually get into the river and undertake a fish survey.
This involves
sampling a section of a river using a technique called electrofishing.
Once we've captured the fish, we then take specific measurements of their size.
We identify them to species level, and then also
we look at the habitat that the fish are using.
This allows us to then estimate the population size
and how they use that habitat and then determine
whether there are any impacts and how to improve them.
We've worked with Yorkshire Water for over a decade
and they know we are experts in fisheries science
and can provide not only the expertise in carrying out our surveying,
but also the subsequent analysis, interpretation
and development of management plans.
There's a real benefit in working with companies like Yorkshire Water
because what we can do is we can train students in understanding
the environmental issues that are affecting our river systems
and also give them key skills that allow them to go into jobs
such as working for Yorkshire Water and enhance those employability skills.