Fisheries & Aquatic Resources Services

Environmental Solutions & Innovations delivers specialized fisheries and aquatic resources services through our team of professionally certified biologists and ecologists. Our comprehensive approach addresses complex regulatory requirements while supporting sustainable resource management across diverse aquatic ecosystems.

Expert Aquatic Ecology Services

Fisheries Assessment and Management

Our ichthyology specialists provide extensive fisheries services including survival studies at hydroelectric facilities, population monitoring programs, and comprehensive species inventories. We employ advanced sampling techniques using back-pack electrofishing equipment, boat electrofishing systems, seines, hoop nets, trap nets, trawls, and gill nets to effectively sample waterbodies of all sizes.

Key fisheries services include:

• Endangered species surveys and consultations
• Fish passage design and culvert assessments
• Long-term population monitoring programs
• Contaminant sampling and food web analysis
• Disturbance monitoring for industrial projects

Aquatic Habitat Assessments

ESI conducts detailed habitat assessments documenting potential and suitable habitat for aquatic species use. Our assessments follow established federal and state protocols, and when standard guidance isn’t available, our professionals develop agency-validated, species-specific protocols using best available science.

Habitat assessment capabilities:

• Stream crossing evaluations
• Wetland delineation and characterization
• Water quality and streamflow assessments
• Regulatory compliance documentation
• Mitigation planning and conservation strategies

Malacology Services

Our malacology team provides comprehensive freshwater mussel services ranging from simple habitat assessments to complex inventory and relocation surveys. Our TWIC-certified divers are trained in applicable safety protocols and employ various survey methods including linear transects, timed searches, pivot searches, quadrat sampling, and live counts.

Regulatory Compliance Expertise

ESI’s aquatic specialists possess exceptional regulatory expertise, enabling early identification of potential issues and expedient solutions. We routinely manage complex projects involving:

• Endangered Species Act consultations (formal and informal)
• Clean Water Act compliance and permitting
• State environmental policy act requirements
• Resource management inventories
• Agency coordination and reporting

Water Quality Biomonitoring

Our aquatic macroinvertebrate specialists employ multiple assessment methods including EPA’s Rapid Bioassessment Protocols, Invertebrate Community Index, EPT Index, and Hilsenhoff Index of Biotic Integrity. These studies are completed by certified ecologists and provide critical water quality data for regulatory compliance.

Industries Served

Transportation & Infrastructure

• Stream crossing assessments for DOT projects
• Bridge and culvert design consultations
• Fish passage maintenance strategies

Mining & Energy

• Pre-construction aquatic surveys
• Impact mitigation planning
• Long-term monitoring programs

Development & Construction

• Site assessment and permitting support
• Wetland mitigation banking
• Stormwater impact evaluations

Advanced Field Capabilities

ESI maintains state-of-the-art equipment and methodologies for comprehensive aquatic assessments:

• Electrofishing systems for fish population sampling
• Underwater video transects for habitat documentation
• Specialized diving equipment for mussel surveys
• Water quality monitoring instruments
• GIS mapping and spatial analysis tools

Project Success Stories

Our team has successfully completed aquatic ecology projects across diverse ecosystems, from small stream crossings to major river systems. We’ve managed complex endangered species consultations, large-scale habitat restoration projects, and multi-year monitoring programs that other environmental consultants struggle to complete.

Why Choose ESI for Aquatic Resources

• Certified Expertise: Our team includes professionally certified biologists and ecologists with specialized training in aquatic systems.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Deep understanding of federal and state requirements ensures compliant, defensible results.
• Advanced Methods: We employ cutting-edge sampling techniques and analysis methods for accurate, reliable data.
• Project Management: Proven ability to manage complex, multi-phase aquatic projects from assessment through implementation.

Contact Our Aquatic Ecology Team

Ready to discuss your fisheries and aquatic resources needs? Our certified biologists are available to evaluate your project requirements and develop customized solutions that meet regulatory standards while supporting your project goals.

Environmental Solutions & Innovations, Inc.
4525 Este Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45232
Phone: 513-451-1777
Email: info@environmentalsi.com