Theodore B. Henry

Comparison of In-Water Voltage Gradients Produced by Electrofishing Boats

The voltage gradients of electric fields produced by electrofishing boats are important in determining sampling efficiency and the potential for injuring fish. We evaluated 10 electrofishing boats and found that 3 boats had malfunctions that could impact sampling or operator safety. The in-water voltage gradients were measured for the remaining 7 boats to make comparisons among boats and to determine the voltage gradients present during electrofishing. For all boats evaluated, the cathode was the aluminum boat hull, and the 2 anode arrays each consisted of 3-11 droppers (cables, chains, or...