Electrofishing is a scientific survey method used to sample fish populations to determine abundance, density, and species composition. This does not harm the fish and they fully recover in as little as two minutes after being stunned.
This is a great way to ensure that your pond or lake is not only healthy, but thriving. Electrofishing should be done in cooler weather which is less stressful for the fish and leads to a more accurate sampling. We recommend that you electrofish your pond or lake at least once a year for the best possible results, and the best possible fish!
What Sets Our Process Apart
What separates us from other companies is our industry first “age to weight” ratio, where we measure our fish not just length to weight, but by analyzing the fishes ear bone under microscope in the field we come up with a third and more accurate analysis where we compare their age, lentgh AND weight all together to see where they are and where they should be exactly…like a doctor does with infant children on a growth scale. It is a quick and easy process where we’ll pull out one of the moderate sized bass and euthanize it, and then perform a necropsy (an autopsy on an animal). What we’re looking for in this process is the bass’s ear bone, called an otolith—they contain rings, like a tree stump, each one representing a year. We’ll be able to tell you the average age to weight ratio of your fish(not just length to weight), so you’ll know if they’re under or overweight to be able to give them exactly what they need.
This information is just another step in our white glove service. It’s time consuming, which is why when we electrofish ponds and lakes, we only take one job per day. We spend nearly the whole day on your pond or lake to make sure everything is as it should be. We’re insured so that you can come with us on the boat. You’re actively involved in the service, and you know exactly what’s going on with your pond or lake. We measure, weigh, and log everything, year after year so we can keep track of the long term health of your lake. We’ll tag your big fish with barcodes so we can come back the next year to make sure your fish are growing like they should.
Interested in learning more, or want to schedule your electrofishing for this fall? Contact Alabama Aquarium & Pond Services today.