Evaluating the role of in-channel natural flood management interventions in habitat improvement and creation for lamprey species

Jolley, Elizabeth (2023) Evaluating the role of in-channel natural flood management interventions in habitat improvement and creation for lamprey species. Masters thesis, University of Gloucestershire. doi:10.46289/8DD2R6U8

Full text not available from this repository.

Abstract

Lamprey are known to be valuable ecosystem drivers, transporting, and introducing deep marine sediments and nutrients into freshwater systems. Lampetra species in particular have been declining in number over recent decades, which has been the result of anthropogenic interference and habitat fragmentation. Lampetra fluviatilis and Lampetra planeri have been recognised as vulnerable, demonstrating the need for further research into locating suitable habitats around UK freshwater catchments. This project aimed to create a concise fieldwork and laboratory methodology for the collection and analysis of environmental water samples. The samples were used to determine the presence-absence of Lampetra species during a single spawning season (April 2023) at a positive control site located in the Forest of Dean. Current eDNA techniques were combined with genus-specific qPCR assays to monitor temporal patterns of eDNA concentration across the spawning season in four locations These results were compared with sediment grain size data and physical characteristic measurements to understand influences on Lampetra spawning. The main finding of this study was Lampetra species eDNA presence found within water samples taken from the field site during the spawning period investigated. Additionally, it located possible spawning and nursery sediments along a stretch, with physical characteristics known to support both Lampetra adults and ammocoetes. The physical characteristics of the sites are similar to those produced by the inclusion of leaky barriers as part of NFM work in rivers and therefore it is assumed that these interventions could create new habitats that are suitable for lamprey spawning. Projects such as this contribute to the growing evidence that eDNA techniques such as qPCR can be used as an alternative to more traditional methodology, often producing rapid and sensitive results without invasive or harmful interaction.

Item Type:	Thesis (Masters)
Thesis Advisors:	Thesis Advisor Email URL Clarke, Lucy lclarke@glos.ac.uk UNSPECIFIED Weldon, Laura UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED Stones, Daniel dstones@glos.ac.uk https://www.glos.ac.uk/staff/profile/daniel-stones/
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Lampetra fluviatilis; Lampetra planeri; Lamprey; Freshwater spawning locations; Forest of Dean; England
Subjects:	S Agriculture > SH Aquaculture. Fisheries. Angling
Divisions:	Schools and Research Institutes > School of Education and Science
Depositing User:	Kamila Niekoraniec
Date Deposited:	24 Sep 2024 11:27
Last Modified:	24 Sep 2024 11:32
URI:	https://eprints.glos.ac.uk/id/eprint/14395

University Staff: Request a correction | Repository Editors: Update this record