Fish surveys are used to assess the fish population in a lake or pond. Often this can be the first and most important step in developing a pond and lake management program. Fish assessments are performed using an electro-fishing survey.
Electrofishing uses electricity to stun the fish so fish can be captured and samples taken. Electrofishing is a common scientific survey method used to sample fish populations to determine abundance,
density, and species composition. When performed correctly, electrofishing results in no permanent harm to fish, which return to their natural state in as little as two minutes after being stunned.
Once the fish are captured they are weighed and measured before they are released. The data are then used to assess fish health and growth and to provide the information needed about the
fishery to make further management recommendations.
After the fish survey is completed, a unique management plan is written for the lake. Such a management plan discusses any problem that the lake may have, and provides a list of options to
remedy or help each problem. The plans also include recommendations about fertilization, liming, weed control and structural improvements, which may be required.
Each lake we work with is unique due to its physical characteristics, fish population and its owner's expectations.
Our Electrofishing Survey Includes:
- Water quality analysis will be conducted for several important water quality parameters (pH, Water Hardness, Alkalinity, Temperature, and Secchi disk visibility)
- Predator to prey balance
- Visual examination of fish diseases
- Total species abundance
- Identification of any undesirable species presence
- Collected largemouth bass will be weighed and measured to calculate a relative weight
- Removal of undesirable or over abundant species
- Conduct site study for the physical characteristics of the lake. This includes: aquatic weeds or algae presence, dam and outlet pipe integrity, and fish habitat availability
- A management report includes detailed management recommendations for supplemental stocking strategies, harvesting rates and sizes of over-abundant/competitive species, supplemental feeding
recommendations, lime application and fertilization recommendations. Recommendations also include fish habitat enhancement, aeration requirements, and/or aquatic weed control.
Electro-Fishing Survey Results
Call 770-328-4434 or Contact Us today to discuss your project.
