Electrofisher bought

[Matt Flynn]

NT Govt press release 21-8-06
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An electrofishing boat has been bought by the NT Govt to enhance Fisheries Research capacity to monitor freshwater fish populations.

Fisheries Minister Kon Vatskalis said the $25,000 electrofisher will be used to
identify the number and size of fish species in the river systems.

?In addition, to help ensure the ongoing success of our stocking program, the
electrofisher will also be used to monitor the size and number of barramundi in
Manton Dam, Mt Todd and Lake Bennet,'' he said.

?In the future, the electrofisher may also be used as an alternative way of
eradicating any unwanted feral fish from our waterways.

?Electrofishing is currently being widely used throughout Australia with
excellent results. It works by supplying an electrical current to the water,
which temporarily stuns the fish.

?Once the fish are stunned, researchers can capture, identify and release the
fish unharmed. It is a quicker, safer method of carrying out invaluable
research.

?In the past surveys were carried out using nets, which actually limited the
areas able to be surveyed. The electrofisher will greatly improve the capacity
of Fisheries Research."

[dodgyone]

Had one down at the Argyle dam wall a couple of months ago I believe. Dick knows all about them.

[Dick]

Here's a pic of them doing their stuff

[Tamlin]

That is GREAT news,

I've known one of the QLD researchers who uses an electro fisher in far north QLD, and he couldn't bilieve that the NT didn't have one.

The photo shows a few things that many people will overlook.

1 - They are in one hell of a spot for "netting" fish after zapping them - I cant help but think that many of the fish that get zapped will float down current with out getting gathered (this doesen't matter too much as the fish recover). Gutsh stiuu with the crocks that hang around!
2 - Have a look at their nets... they are VERY long and although you cant see they will be made out of fibreglass (electro fishing for people isn't the aim of the game). The length helps netting them down deep as not all fish come to the surface
3 - Electrofishing when there are corcks are about is better than netting for research and getting... by catch!

This is great news and no doubt we will get some interesting statistics from its inclusion in to the NT fisheries fleet.

Catch ya,
Tam

[Dick]

Tamlin

There was a support boat out of shot to pick up the ones that they missed, but yes a few did slip by.

One or two crocs didn't one was stunned and re-sused the other did a missile thingie

Attached is a pic of one of the QLD mob that cam over and a 112 fish about to be tagged

[Andy Grey]

So if nets are called square hooks what is an electro fisher called? Maybe it should be called simply a smart! why dont the pro's use them for commercial fishing?

[Tamlin]

Because they can only be used in fresh water.

[goldfish]

That would be the go for the million dollar barra