Services
Surveys: Instar Ecology undertakes a range of ecological surveys, including for biological quality assessment, water resource management and Defra Common Standards Monitoring (CSM). Pete can fulfil your survey needs for invasive species monitoring and the identification of plants, invertebrates and habitat types in rivers, still waters and tidal areas. He has experience with River Condition Assessment (biodiversity net gain), fisheries walkovers, pond surveys (PSYM) and water quality investigations, which can be tailored to meet your evidence needs.
Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS): Expertise in the planning, survey and identification of invasive aquatic plants and animals and in biosecurity precautions to minimise their spread. Pete devised a multi-habitat survey (MHS) method, used for the monitoring needs of water company supply option plans. He has a National Water Hygiene card and has undertaken INNS surveys at sites including large rivers, tidal waters, canals, lakes and reservoirs. In late 2021, using MHS, Pete detected the first record of a Ponto-Caspian amphipod new to the British list [First record of Chelicorophium robustum in GB].
Freshwater macroinvertebrates: Fulfils monitoring requirements for the collection and analysis of macroinvertebrate samples to family or species level identification (TL5 or similar). Former quality control analyst with established audit record, results can be reported with reference to BMWP, WHPT, RICT, LIFE, PSI, WFD and CCI scores.
Pete is an acknowledged expert in the conservation of native crayfish and the management of invasive crayfish species. He is licenced to survey for native crayfish (CL11) and to move them for maintenance (CL23). He has also led surveys at deep river sites for depressed river mussels.
Aquatic macrophytes: With extensive experience in botanical surveys of rivers, lakes and saltmarsh habitats, Instar provides species data for eutrophication assessment, Water Framework Directive, drought plans and community evaluation. Pete has expertise in the use of abundance based methods including MTR, LEAFPACS2, DAFOR, PSYM and WFD across a range of upland and lowland catchment types in Great Britain.
Freshwater algae: Collection of diatom samples and microscopic identification of algal samples, including nuisance and blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) blooms.
Training: Quality assurance and training in macrophyte surveys, crayfish and macroinvertebrate monitoring and identification from an experienced trainer and mentor in aquatic survey techniques and the use of biology data in water quality assessments.
Habitat assessments: Certified in River Condition Assessment (MoRPh surveys and River Type desk studies) for the Biodiversity net gain Metric. Walkovers for fisheries habitat and water quality investigations and experience in River Habitat Survey and pond survey (PSYM).
Pollution investigations: Incident investigation for water companies and others, from planning through to reporting from an experienced practitioner and trainer. I follow regulatory guidance in relation to evidence collection for potential legal proceedings. Work includes client and third-party liaison, water quality sampling, field readings (DO, pH, temperature and conductivity) using handheld water quality meter, macroinvertebrate analysis (bankside and laboratory), sewage fungus identification, impact assessment, report writing and incident classification.
Data analysis & reporting: Scientific reporting and interpretation of environmental data. Pete is familiar with Microsoft Office suite, QGIS, Magic etc for bespoke reporting formats. He has a wealth of experience in reporting for WFD investigations and assessments, pollution surveys, witness statements, water resource management plans, fisheries assessments and reports for other quality monitoring purposes to meet clients' needs.
