NMBAQC

Fish

Contract Manager:  Steve Coates, Environment Agency

Component Administrator (2006 - 2010): David Hall, Unicomarine

Fish Reverse Ring Test (RRT)

Similar to the Fish RT, this module examines inter-laboratory variation in the participants' ability to identify fish specimens from their own surveys and attempts to determine whether any errors are the result of inadequate keys, lack of reference material (e.g. growth series), or the incorrect use of satisfactory keys. The Fish RRT also attempts to improve the examination method by addressing participants' concerns over the Fish RT, namely by analysing fresh samples instead of preserved and analysing fishes only caught locally.

Over a set survey period, participants are asked to provide 15 species for verification. The participants are also asked to provide photos and details of keys used for identification. The fishes are immersed in a lethal dose of clove oil or 2-Phenoxyethanol until death is confirmed. The fishes are then sent to Unicomarine on ice for verification. Protected species are photographed only.

The Fish RRT was trialed in the Spring and Autumn of 2008 to test the logistics and value of the exercise.  This was deemed a successful test, and the Fish RRT will be rolled out and available to a wider range of participants in Year 16.

Fish Ring Test (RT)

This module examines inter-laboratory variation in the participants' ability to identify fish specimens and attempts to determine whether any errors are the result of inadequate keys, lack of reference material (e.g. growth series), or the incorrect use of satisfactory keys.

A set of twenty-five fish specimens are distributed in each Scheme year. Details of substratum, salinity, depth and geographical location and a series of specimen images were provided for all ring test specimens to assist identification.

The specimens distributed are obtained from a range of surveys from around the UK. Specimens are also donated by Scheme participants and other organisations. Every attempt is made to provide animals in good condition and of similar size for each laboratory. Where relevant, all specimens of a given species are of the same sex. All specimens are taken from replicate trawls or nets within a single survey and in most cases are derived from replicates at a single sampling location. Each specimen sent is uniquely identifiable by means of a coded label.

The participating laboratories are required to identify each of the RT specimens to species and provide the Species Directory code (Howson & Picton, 1997) for the specimen (where available). If a laboratory would not routinely have identified the specimen to the level of species then this is detailed in the 'confidence level' field on their results form. Laboratories can also add brief notes and information on the keys or other literature used to determine their identifications. RT specimens are retained by the participant laboratories for incorporation into their in-house reference collections or for future use as training material.