The Northwest Environmental Training Center presents: Backpack Electrofishing: Principles and Practices
Effective Use of Backpack Electrofishers for Fish Capture and Minimal Fish Trauma
Course ID: BIO-407
March 23 - 25, 2010, 8:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. (3 Days)
Chinese Cultural Center
668 North 44th Street, Suite #201W
Phoenix, Arizona 85008

Instructors: Dr. James B. Reynolds, Professor of Fisheries & Others

Register Online | Course Brochure PDF | Directions | Accommodations | Course Catalog

Description: This course provides training in the principles and best practices of electrofishing. Electrofishing is an extremely effective way to capture and study freshwater fish populations. However, electrofishing may cause injury or mortality to the fish. Proper balance between efficient sampling and minimal harm is achieved through knowledge of electrofishing principles and use of proper techniques. This three-day course is intended to meet the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) training requirements for electrofishing field staff. The first day is spent in the classroom on principles of electricity in circuits (e.g., wires) and fields (e.g., water) and electroshock effects on fish behavior and fish health. The second day begins in the classroom with information on backpack electrofishing equipment and human safety during backpack operations. Most of the second day is spent at a nearby stream learning to use backpack electrofishing equipment in the water and practicing techniques to capture fish efficiently and with minimal harm. On the third day, the course concludes in the classroom with a discussion of sampling designs and methods, and analysis of field data to create power tables for standardized fish sampling.

Course Topics

Electric Circuits and Fields
- Principles and terminology
- Characteristics of AC, DC and pulsed DC waveforms
- Power transfer
- Electric field characteristics
- Effects of size, shape, and spacing of electrodes
- Water conductivity measurement

Fish Behavior and Welfare
 - Fish reactions in AC, DC, and pulsed DC fields
- Attracting fish for capture
- Causes and reductions of fish stress
- Types and causes of fish injury
- Reducing fish injury and mortality
- Effects of electroshock on fish eggs and invertebrates
- Obtaining permits for backpack electrofishing

Backpack Electrofishing Systems
- System components
- Types of equipment
- Evaluating output
- Troubleshooting problems
- Understanding settings

Backpack Operations and Safety
- Safe use of backpack electrofishing equipment
- Common safety issues
- Safety policies
- Crew organization
- Role of first aid and CPR training

Field Trip Exercises
- Waveform output evaluation
- Electrode resistance measurement
- Electrical field mapping
- Voltage threshold for fish capture
- Fish capture techniques
- Fish storage recovery, handling, and release
- Field data requirements

Sampling Design and Applications
- Goal-oriented designs
- Factors affecting electrofishing efficiency
- Use and validity of electrofishing data
- Development of standardized power tables

Intended Audience: This course is intended for biologists, field personnel, and other professionals seeking an improved understanding of the principles and practices of electrofishing.

What to Bring: All participants must bring a field notebook, pen/pencil, electronic calculator, and a water bottle. Please also bring insulated rubber gloves, hip or chest waders, and dress for prevailing weather for the field trip. You are also encouraged to bring your own backpack electrofishing unit. You will gain knowledge of the specific optimal settings and hands-on experience using the unit in the field. There will be backpack electrofishing equipment available for those who do not bring their own.

Continuing Education Units: 2.0 CEUs

Registration: $695 (*$595 reduced tuition is available for Native American tribes; government employees; nonprofits; students; and AFS, NAEP, NEBC, NWAEP members). You may register via the link below or by calling the Northwest Environmental Training Center at 206-762-1976. Register online now!

About the Instructor: Dr. James B. (Jim) Reynolds is Professor Emeritus of Fisheries at the University of Alaska Fairbanks where he served on the faculty from 1978 to 1999. Jim is a recognized authority on electrofishing and fish ecology. He has taught electrofishing short courses to over 1,500 biologists in the U.S. and Canada, is the author of the chapter on electrofishing in "Fisheries Techniques" published by the American Fisheries Society, and has written numerous research articles on the subject. Jim is past President of the Education and Fisheries History sections and Missouri and Alaska chapters of the American Fisheries Society. He also provided technical guidance for the NOAA Fisheries electrofishing guidelines. Other instructors will assist during the field portion of the class.

Cancellation Policy: Registration fees are fully refundable up to 30 days prior to the event and 50 percent refundable (or 100% credit) thereafter up to 3 business days prior to the event. No refunds are issued for cancellations occurring less than 3 business days before the start day. Course registration fees and cancellation policy are subject to change without notice.

Disability Accommodations: To request disability accommodations, please contact us at info@nwetc.org or (206) 762-1976 at least 30 days prior to the event.

Northwest Environmental Training Center
A 501(c)(3) non-profit program of EOS Alliance
650 S. Orcas Street, Suite 220 | Seattle, Washington 98108
Phone: (206)762-1976 | Fax: (206)762-1979
www.nwetc.org