Smith-Root

Learn from the pros.

Classroom and field based
electrofisher training.

Electrofishing Training

Electrofishing is an important, commonly used tool for biologists to collect a range of fishery data such as species composition, population estimates, and growth rates. Improper techniques, however, can bias results and be injurious, or even lethal, to humans and the fish they capture. Modern equipment and proper training can improve safety and data collection.

Course Objectives

Attendees will receive an introduction to the principles of electricity applied to capture of fish, as well as:

  • How to use different kinds of equipment.
  • How to work in a variety of environments.
  • How to work with a variety of target species, or in different life stages.
  • Operation and safety, including dangers to humans and fish.
  • Electrofishing techniques as they apply to bioassessments, fisheries characterizations, population estimates, or age and growth studies.

Course Format

Day One

Day One will be an eight-hour classroom setting, with instruction focused on the following topics:

  • Electrical Theory: what is electricity, how it works in water, and application to capture of fish.
  • Electrofishing Equipment: describing the types of equipment available for different sampling environments, species, and purposes.
  • Operation and Safety: including dangers of electricity, proper accessories, such as clothing, gloves, fish holding and handling.
  • Applied Electrofishing Methods: including equipment selection, use and settings; and, experimental design and techniques for various applications such as population estimates, fish characterizations, etc.
Day Two

Day Two will be a field trip - usually with backpack electrofishing gear - to a local stream. Fieldwork will be conducted in two groups of up to six students. Each group will spend approximately four hours in the field, including travel. This portion of the class will provide the students hands on familiarity with equipment operation and an opportunity to apply the information learned in the classroom on the previous day.

Instruction

The course will be taught by a member of Smith-Root's biology department.

Requirements

Attendance is limited to twelve participants per field day, unless prior arrangements are made for Smith-Root to provide more than one instructor. If the course is provided at your location, we require a classroom with sufficient capacity to seat all participants, with an overhead projection screen for a power-point presentation. We will also need access to, and a valid collection permit for, a nearby stream or lake where attendees can participate in safe equipment operation and fish collection techniques.

When taught at our headquarters, a variety of electrofishing equipment would be used for the field portion. When traveling to your location, however, we can provide only backpack electrofishing equipment. Any additional equipment supplied by a host must be fully functioning and meet our safety criteria.

We require attendees or host organizations to provide chest waders and insulated lineman's electrical gloves. Optional equipment include a brimmed hat, polarized sunglasses, and lifejackets.