What is electrofishing? What is the purpose? What does it do?
Electrofishing surveys are taken in small bodies and large. They are part of a process of lake and river management. It may sound cruel, but it does not create a long-term bad effect on the fish. It provides data about what fish are living in the particular waters, and gives the management team clues about how to proceed.
Samples of the size, the weight, the growth rate, the relative abundance, and the various species of the fish are determined. With those facts and data, professionals can make determinations of what to do to improve the lake or body of water. Certain types of fish might be harvested. Others might be stocked. By using the technique of electrofishing, problems can be diagnosed before they start. For example, it is a way to find invasive species which might take over the lake in unwanted ways.
The way electrofishing works is that the fish are stunned briefly. They are then netted and brought onboard into a holding tank. They are counted, examined, and data is taken. They are then returned to the water unharmed. However, if there are diseased or invasive or unwanted species, this is the time to remove them. It is also a way to capture brood fish to be used for spawning.
Does electrofishing hurt mammals? No. However, there are things to consider when electrofishing such as the time of year, the plant densities, the weather, water clarity and the temperature. Fish management professionals know how to correctly interpret data taken at different times of the year.
Once the data is taken, it can be used for recommendations for the body of water. It can be part of the long term process of managing the lake. If a person is thinking of creating a private lake, they should consider hiring a professional lake management company. If there have been problems in a lake that is being upgraded, the electrofishing survey can help right the ship and get things back on track. It is a way to help create the lake or pond of someone's dreams.
