Improving Conditions or Fishery Enhancement

Abstract

The previous chapters have talked about control of various aspects of the fi shery. Many of the sections have mentioned improving the habitat to benefi t water quality, the spawning success of the fi sh or the general quality of the environment. We quickly realise that the habitat provided at the fi shery is the most important aspect of fi sheries management. Healthy and diverse habitat should be considered as one of the most benefi cial components of a fi shery and its creation and enhancement as critical to maintaining and improving a stillwater fi shery. Providing suitable conditions for the occupants of each of the trophic levels of the pyramid of production (Chapter 2 ) should be seen as the fi rst step in creating a balanced ecology and optimal environment for the fi sh. So, although much of the habitat creation or improvement will be done to support and enhance the environment for fi sh directly, much of it should also be directed at the animals and plants that sit below fi sh on the pyramid of production.Improvement to existing habitats is generally preferable to the use of remedial measures, such as the use of aeration systems. By creating aquatic systems that mirror, as closely as possible, natural systems, an ecological balance can be reached without the need for artifi cial solutions. For example, in resolving dissolved oxygen problems, habitat improvements by