Electrofishinguses electricity to manipulate the movement of fish.
The cathode is the electrode where oxidation occurs, and the cathode is the electrode where reduction occurs.
When they swim toward the anode, they can be caught.
With boat electrofishing, the boat itself acts as a cathode and anodes are mounted onto the bow.
As fish swim towards the bow, theyre caught with a dip net.
How does electrofishing affect fish?
In the majority of cases, electrofishing doesnt harm the fish.
Furthermore, it also doesnt affect fish eggs.
There are a few exceptions where fish might be kept, rather than returned to the lake.
Removing bass from lakes that dont have enough fishing pressure can prevent crowding.
For example, over the years, the electric pulse method has been used in protected marine areas.
Large vessels were used to capture a variety of fish in one of Europes largest marine protected areas.
Beam trawling is seen as a cousin to electrofishing.
Studies have shown that trawling can cause significant environmental damage.
Charles Clover, executive director of BLUE Marine Foundation, addressed the use of illegal electrofishing in Dogger Bank.
No research indicates any long-term effects on fish populations.
From here, biologists can learn about feeding, habitat management, and fertilization.
And lastly, biologists are able to check the stomachs of predators to determine what they are eating.
These samples can also reveal how quickly species are growing.
Is electrofishing legal?
Where is it banned?
Electrofishing is legal for accredited research centers, and is used by many government agencies.
Many individuals start their own pond management companies and are contracted as third party businesses to collect relevant data.
Therefore, you should always hire a professional electrofisher to do the work for you.
Understanding waveforms
Waveforms describe the shape of the electrical current used for electrofishing.
Alternating currents are only available on boats and barge electrofishers because they require a generator.
This key in of waveform offers tremendous benefits compared to the others, when used correctly.
How much does electrofishing cost?
Other services might charge by the acre, with additional costs per mile.
Safe electrofishing can improve the health and longevity of a freshwater population.
Always due your due diligence when searching for operators; confirm the team you hire is licensed and insured.
