Electrofishing Equipment

Location: National Project
Year: 2024
Status: Completed
Project Topics: Monitoring
Type: Monitoring, Science and Research
Workstream: Evidence-based Management

Summary

This project enabled the purchase of state‐of‐the‐art electrofishing equipment to support routine fish monitoring and national programmes such as the National Electrofishing Programme for Scotland (NEPS) and the National Introgression Programme for Scotland (NIPS). By investing in advanced gear, Fisheries Management Scotland (FMS) members were better equipped to assess juvenile fish populations, monitor species abundance, and collect genetic samples without harm. The enhanced equipment provided more accurate and efficient data collection, thereby informing effective management interventions for the conservation of Scotland’s fish populations.

Outputs

  • Improved User Experience: The integration of lightweight lithium batteries and ergonomic anodes significantly reduced physical strain on users during extended surveys, promoting better operator welfare.
  • Optimised Fish Welfare: The addition of portable air pumps and electrical conductivity meters ensured that the equipment operated at optimal voltage levels, thereby enhancing fish welfare during sampling.
  • Strengthened Monitoring Programmes: The upgraded equipment directly supported the NEPS and NIPS initiatives, as well as local monitoring programmes, resulting in more robust datasets for long-term conservation planning.

Funding

This project was funded through Marine Directorate’s Marine Fund Scotland.

Partners

The project was delivered by Fisheries Management Scotland.

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