Services

Surveys: As Instar Ecology, Pete 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 biofilm organisms in rivers, still waters and tidal areas. He has experience with pond habitat surveys (PSYM), ditch assemblages 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, observing strict biosecurity precautions to minimise their spread. In 2020 Pete devised a multi-habitat survey (MHS) method for the INNS monitoring needs of water company supply option plans. He has since undertaken surveys for multiple clients at hundreds of sites including rivers, tidal waters, canals, lakes and reservoirs. Using MHS he has detected two Ponto-Caspian species new to the British list: an amphipod [First record of Chelicorophium robustum in GB] and (jointly) a flatworm [First records in GB of Dendrocoelum cf. romanodanubiale (in press)].

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 a range of metrics (e.g. BMWP, WHPT, RICT, LIFE, DEHLI, PSI, WFD and CCI).

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 blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) blooms.

Training: Quality assurance and training in macrophyte surveys, macroinvertebrate monitoring and sewage fungus identification from an experienced trainer and mentor in aquatic survey techniques and the use of biology data in water quality assessments.

Habitat assessments: Walkovers for ditch habitat and water quality investigations and experience in River Habitat Survey and pond survey (PSYM). Prior experience in River Condition Assessment (MoRPh surveys and River Type desk studies) for the Biodiversity net gain Metric.

Pollution & sewage fungus investigations: Incident investigation for water companies, airports 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 using handheld water quality meter (DO, pH, temperature and conductivity), macroinvertebrate analysis (bankside and laboratory), sewage fungus assessment and microscopic identification, report writing and advice.

Data analysis & reporting: Scientific reporting and interpretation of environmental data. Pete tailors his reports to meet clients needs. 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.