Electrofishing, which involves a very dynamic and complex mix of physics, physiology, and behavior; has been a valuable sampling technique for over half a century, but its potentially harmful effects on fish must be recognized, monitored, and avoided or minimized, especially with respect to populations of endangered species. Spinal injuries and associated hemorrhages, although often not externally obvious or fatal, can occur anywhere in the electrofishing field at or above the intensity threshold for twitch. These injuries are believed to result from powerful convulsions 0 body musculature caused mostly by sudden changes in voltage. Significantly fewer spinal injuries are reported when direct current, low-frequency pulsed direct current (#30 Hz), or specially designed pulse trains are used. Salmoninae are especially susceptible. Endangered cyprinids of the Colorado River Basin are generally much less susceptible, but the endangered catostomid Xyrauchen Texanus appears sufficiently susceptible to warrant minimal-use policy. Other harmful effects, including bleeding at gills or vent and excessive physiological stress, are also of concern. Mortality, usually by asphyxiation, is a common result of excessive exposure to tetanizing intensities near electrodes or poor handling of captured specimens. Reported effects on reproduction are contradictory, but electrofishing over spawning grounds can harm embryos.

Electricity in Fish Research and Management, 2nd Edition provides a comprehensive discussion of the uses of both electricity and electrical principles in fishery management and research. It covers electric fishing (including theory, equipment, data analysis and practical factors affecting efficiency), fish barriers, fish counters and fish welfare issues. The book concentrates on Electric Fishing (or Electrofishing); an internationally accepted and widely used procedure for sampling fish. Over the past 50 years electric fishing has become a standard method for fishery studies and management e.g. establishing population densities and abundance. However, due to the potential hazards of the method (both to operators and fish) there is a continuing need to develop and promote best practice guidelines. The author has studied fish ecology for 40 years and understands the need for information that reaches out to all levels of understanding in the field. Previous books on this subject have either been collections of scientific papers and/or technical reports or very simple instruction manuals. In this book theory and practice is explained using non-technical language and simple equations. It brings depth as well as breadth in both information and principles behind the methods and should be an invaluable tool to both fisheries managers and researchers. Although the book is aimed at undergraduates, the clear explanation of the factors means that the book is suitable for all levels of practitioners.

A guide to all the major developments in the application of electricity to inland fishery bilogy and management made over the last twenty years. This book has been written by the chairmen of the subject panels at the International Symposium on Fishing with Electricity and summarises the main results of the symposium.

Electricity in Fish Research and Management, 2nd Edition provides a comprehensive discussion of the uses of both electricity and electrical principles in fishery management and research. It covers electric fishing (including theory, equipment, data analysis and practical factors affecting efficiency), fish barriers, fish counters and fish welfare issues. The book concentrates on Electric Fishing (or Electrofishing); an internationally accepted and widely used procedure for sampling fish. Over the past 50 years electric fishing has become a standard method for fishery studies and management e.g. establishing population densities and abundance. However, due to the potential hazards of the method (both to operators and fish) there is a continuing need to develop and promote best practice guidelines. The author has studied fish ecology for 40 years and understands the need for information that reaches out to all levels of understanding in the field. Previous books on this subject have either been collections of scientific papers and/or technical reports or very simple instruction manuals. In this book theory and practice is explained using non-technical language and simple equations. It brings depth as well as breadth in both information and principles behind the methods and should be an invaluable tool to both fisheries managers and researchers. Although the book is aimed at undergraduates, the clear explanation of the factors means that the book is suitable for all levels of practitioners.