Aquatic Ecology
Aquatic Ecology Experts
BioSurvey Group brings together a team of experienced aquatic biologists dedicated to comprehensive ecological assessment, monitoring, and conservation. Our specialists provide trusted expertise across the full spectrum of freshwater ecosystems, from the smallest headwater streams to major river systems.
Our Expertise
- Fisheries management & assessment
- Freshwater mussel surveys & relocation
- Benthic macroinvertebrate sampling & Analysis
- Submerged aquatic vegetation mapping & monitoring
- Endangered species surveys: crayfish, hellbenders, and mudpuppies
- Habitat assessment & restoration
Regulatory Compliance & Consultation
Our team members have established excellent working relationships with state and federal regulatory agencies through years of successful collaboration. We guide clients through:
- Endangered Species Act compliance
- Clean Water Act requirements: Section 401/404 permitting
- Environmental impact assessments
- Conservation planning & implementation
From straightforward surveys to complex multi-faceted projects requiring specialized permitting, our biologists deliver scientifically sound solutions that meet regulatory requirements while advancing conservation goals.
What We Provide:
Fish Community Surveys & Assessments
BioSurvey Group’s team includes multiple fisheries scientists with advanced degrees and extensive field experience. Our specialists employ a full range of fish community survey techniques to meet your project needs:
- Electrofishing: Both boat-mounted and backpack units for sampling diverse habitats
- Netting Methods: Expert deployment of seine nets, gill nets, and hoop nets
- Light Trapping: Specialized capture of nocturnal and larval species
- Custom Sampling Protocols: Tailored approaches based on target species and habitat conditions
Fish Tissue Analysis & Health Assessment
Beyond population surveys, our team provides specialized services for evaluating fish health and environmental impacts:
- Contaminant Analysis: Collection of tissue samples for laboratory assessment of mercury, PCBs, heavy metals, and other pollutants
- Pollution Effect Studies: Monitoring and documentation of acute and chronic pollution impacts on fish communities
- Population Health Investigations: Comprehensive evaluation of condition factors, disease prevalence, and reproductive success
Our fisheries biologists bring rigorous scientific methods and practical field knowledge to every project, ensuring reliable data collection and meaningful interpretation for regulatory compliance, conservation planning, or environmental impact assessment.
Threatened & Endangered Crayfish Survey Services
BioSurvey Group biologists hold the necessary qualifications and permits to conduct surveys for federally protected crayfish species across West Virginia, Kentucky, and Virginia. Our team specializes in assessment and consultation for:
- Big Sandy Crayfish (Cambarus callainus) – Federally Threatened
- Guyandotte River Crayfish (Cambarus veteranus) – Federally Endangered
Distribution & Critical Habitat
Our field teams possess detailed knowledge of distribution patterns and habitat requirements for these sensitive species.
Regulatory Navigation & Consultation
When projects intersect with potential crayfish habitat, our biologists provide comprehensive services to ensure compliance while advancing your project goals:
- Presence/Absence Surveys: Conducted according to USFWS-approved protocols
- Section 7 Consultation: Expert guidance through formal and informal consultation processes
- Biological Assessment Preparation: Detailed documentation for regulatory review
- Mitigation Planning: Practical solutions to minimize potential impacts
Proven Success Record
BioSurvey Group has successfully completed endangered crayfish projects for diverse clients including:
- West Virginia Division of Highways
- Kentucky Transportation Cabinet
- Municipal governments
- Private industry and development projects
Hellbender & Mudpuppy Surveys & Relocation
BioSurvey Group offers expert assessment and management services for North America’s largest salamander species. Our biologists are specifically trained in survey techniques for cryptic aquatic salamanders, including the Eastern Hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis alleganiensis) and Common Mudpuppy (Necturus maculosus).
Our team employs effective survey methodologies tailored to these elusive species across various aquatic environments:
- Presence/Absence Surveys: Expert detection in diverse habitats
- Population Assessment: Documentation of size class distribution and abundance
- Habitat Evaluation: Assessment of substrate quality, water conditions, and environmental factors
- Environmental DNA (eDNA): When appropriate, application of cutting-edge detection methods
Professional Relocation Services
When construction or development activities potentially impact salamander populations, our biologists provide:
- Pre-Construction Surveys: Thorough documentation before project initiation
- Capture & Relocation: Safe handling and transport to suitable habitat
- Monitoring Programs: Post-relocation assessment of success
- Regulatory Compliance: All activities conducted with appropriate permits and agency coordination
Diverse Habitat Experience
Our team has successfully conducted hellbender and mudpuppy work across a range of aquatic systems such as small streams, large rivers and lakes.
BioSurvey Group’s specialized expertise ensures effective management of these sensitive amphibian species during infrastructure development, habitat restoration, and conservation initiatives.
Benthic Macroinvertebrate Sampling & Analysis
Benthic macroinvertebrates (BMIs) serve as critical biological indicators for water quality evaluation and ecological health assessment. BioSurvey Group specializes in comprehensive BMI surveys across diverse aquatic ecosystems, from headwater streams to large rivers, lakes, and estuarine environments.
Comprehensive Sampling Methods
Our biologists implement scientifically rigorous sampling protocols tailored to each environment and project:
- Wadeable Streams: Kick nets and Hess stream bottom samplers
- Deep Water Systems: Professional diving capabilities for large river assessments
- Lakes & Ponds: Specialized sweep net techniques
- Long-Term Monitoring: Hester-Dendy artificial substrate samplers for standardized temporal studies
Advanced Taxonomic Expertise
With over 50 years of combined experience, our taxonomists provide precise identification services:
- Detailed Classification: Family and genus-level identification capabilities
- Specialized Expertise: Chironomid mounting and identification
- Regional Knowledge: Specialized focus on eastern aquatic species in streams, lakes, and the Chesapeake Bay
Biotic Integrity Analysis
Our team applies various biotic integrity indices relevant to your project location such as West Virginia GLIMPSS: Genus Level Index of Most Probable Stream Status.
Submerged Aquatic Vegetation Surveys & Mapping
Submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) forms a critical foundation of healthy aquatic ecosystems, providing essential habitat structure and food sources for fish and macroinvertebrate communities. BioSurvey Group offers specialized expertise in SAV assessment and monitoring to meet growing regulatory requirements and ecosystem management needs.
Survey Methods
Our biologists employ scientifically sound methodologies to document and analyze SAV communities:
- Point-Intercept Surveys: Precise quantitative assessment of species composition and distribution
- Bed Mapping & GIS Analysis: Detailed spatial documentation of SAV coverage and boundaries
- Species Identification: Expert taxonomic knowledge of native and invasive aquatic plant species
- Temporal Monitoring: Tracking changes in SAV communities over time
Regional Expertise
With specialized knowledge spanning multiple regions, our team provides informed analysis across diverse ecosystems.
Tailored Solutions
BioSurvey Group customizes our approach based on your specific project goals:
- Invasive Species Management: Documentation of problematic species for targeted control
- Protected Species Assessment: Surveys focused on rare, threatened, or endangered aquatic plants
- Seagrass Monitoring: Tracking changes to critical coastal habitats
- Pre/Post Project Evaluation: Baseline documentation and impact assessment
Contact Us
BioSurvey Group
Physical Address
3 East Maple St.
Liberty, IN 47353
(888) 712-0566
Mailing Address
PO Box 593
Morgantown, WV 26507
(304)-810-8099
Questions? We Have Answers!
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