Electrofishing and the effects of depletion sampling on fish health: A review and recommendations for additional study

By:  and 
Edited by: R.C. CiprianoA.W. Bruckner, and I.S. Shchelkunov

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Abstract

Depletion sampling in combination with multiple-pass electrofishing is an important fisheries management tool for wadeable streams. This combination of techniques has been used routinely by federal and state fishery management agencies for several decades as a reliable means to obtain quantitative data on trout populations or to describe fish community structure. In this paper we review the effects of electrofishing on fish and discuss this within the context of depletion sampling and multiple exposures of fishes to electric fields. The multiple wave forms most commonly used in sampling (alternating current, direct current, and pulsed direct current) are discussed as well as electrofishing induced response, injury and physiological stress. Fish that survive electrofishing injuries are more likely to suffer short and long-term adverse effects to their behavior, health, growth, or reproduction. Of greatest concern are the native, non-target species that may be subjected to multiple electrical shocks during the course of a 3-pass depletion survey. These exposures and their effects on the non-target species warrant further study as do the overall effects of electrofishing on populations and community structure. 

Publication type Conference Paper
Publication Subtype Conference publication
Title Electrofishing and the effects of depletion sampling on fish health: A review and recommendations for additional study
ISBN 978-0-9835611-0-1
Year Published 2011
Language English
Publisher Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation
Publisher location Landover, MD
Contributing office(s) Leetown Science Center
Description 10 p.
Larger Work Type Book
Larger Work Subtype Conference publication
Larger Work Title Bridging America and Russia with shared perspectives on aquatic animal health: Proceedings of the Third Bilateral Conference between Russia and the United States
First page 299
Last page 308
Conference Title Third Bilateral Conference Between Russia and the United States, Aquatic Animal Health 2009
Conference Location Shepherdstown, WV
Conference Date July 12-20, 2009
Online Only (Y/N) N
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
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