Induced Mortality and Sublethal Injuries in Embryonic Brook Trout from Pulsed DC Electroshocking

Abstract Despite heightened concern for potential adverse effects of electrofishing on fish, little information is available on the effects of electrofishing on juvenile fish. The purpose of our study was to determine if electrofishing impairs the survival and development of embryonic brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis. Brook trout embryos, both uncovered and buried in an artificial redd, were electroshocked at 21 d postfertilization (pre-eyed). Uncovered embryos also were electroshocked at 37 d postfertilization (eyed). When electroshocked, pre-eyed embryos suffered greater embryo mortality (85%) and incidence of hatchling morphological anomalies (22%) than unshocked embryos (14% and 7%, respectively), whereas hatching times and hatchling weights were similar between groups. Emergence from electroshocked pre-eyed embryos also was significantly lower (23%) than from unshocked embryos (67%), and the mean time at which fish emerged was longer for shocked embryos (88 d) than for unshocked embryos (85 d). Surv...

[1]  J. Nielsen,et al.  Scientific Sampling Effects: Electrofishing California's Endangered Fish Populations , 1998 .

[2]  D. C. Bowden,et al.  Long-Term Effects of Electrofishing on Growth and Body Condition of Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout , 1997 .

[3]  R. T. Muth,et al.  Effects of Electrofishing Fields on Captive Embryos and Larvae of Razorback Sucker , 1997 .

[4]  Kevin G. Thompson,et al.  Injuries to Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout Induced by Capture with Pulsed Direct Current , 1997 .

[5]  T. McMahon,et al.  Effect of Electrofishing Pulse Shape and Electrofishing-Induced Spinal Injury on Long-Term Growth and Survival of Wild Rainbow Trout , 1996 .

[6]  R. T. Muth,et al.  Effects of Two Electrofishing Currents on Captive Ripe Razorback Suckers and Subsequent Egg-Hatching Success , 1996 .

[7]  W. P. Dwyer,et al.  Effects of Electroshock Voltage, Wave Form, and Pulse Rate on Survival of Cutthroat Trout Eggs , 1995 .

[8]  R. White,et al.  Management Briefs: Influence of Electroshock on Short-Term Growth of Adult Rainbow Trout and Juvenile Arctic Grayling and Cutthroat Trout , 1995 .

[9]  M. Zint,et al.  Educating youth about fish, fishing, and fisheries management issues , 1995 .

[10]  R. Carline,et al.  Injury to Wild Brook Trout by Backpack Electrofishing , 1994 .

[11]  D. Mcdonald,et al.  Effects of Electroshock, Air Exposure, and Forced Exercise on Swim Performance in Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) , 1994 .

[12]  W. P. Dwyer,et al.  Influence of Electroshock and Mechanical Shock on Survival of Trout Eggs , 1993 .

[13]  G. McMichael,et al.  Examination of Electrofishing Injury and Short-Term Mortality in Hatchery Rainbow Trout , 1993 .

[14]  N. Metcalfe,et al.  Early predictors of life‐history events: the link between first feeding date, dominance and seaward migration in Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L. , 1992 .

[15]  Thomas T. Taube.  Injury, survival and growth of rainbow trout captured by electrofishing , 1992 .

[16]  C. Schreck,et al.  Electrofishing Mark–Recapture and Depletion Methodologies Evoke Behavioral and Physiological Changes in Cutthroat Trout , 1989 .

[17]  T. C. Bjornn,et al.  Abundance, Growth, and Interactions of Juvenile Steelhead Relative to Time of Emergence , 1988 .

[18]  G. Grossman,et al.  Effects of Direct Current Electrofishing on the Mottled Sculpin , 1988 .

[19]  S. W. Carothers,et al.  Influence of Electrofishing Pulse Shape on Spinal Injuries in Adult Rainbow Trout , 1988 .

[20]  M. Hudy.  Rainbow Trout and Brook Trout Mortality from High Voltage AC Electrofishing in a Controlled Environment , 1985 .

[21]  C. Schreck,et al.  Physiological Responses of Rainbow Trout (Salmo gairdneri) to Electroshock , 1976 .

[22]  R. A. Marriott.  Effects of Electric Shocking on Fertility of Mature Pink Salmon , 1973 .

[23]  R. H. Lander,et al.  Survival, Growth, and Fecundity of Hatchery-Reared Rainbow Trout after Exposure to Pulsating Direct Current , 1971 .

[24]  D. L. Horak,et al.  Influence of Capture Methods on Fishing Success, Stamina, and Mortality of Rainbow Trout (Salmo gairdneri) in Colorado , 1967 .

[25]  H. Godfrey.  Mortalities Among Developing Trout and Salmon Ova Following Shock by Direct-Current Electrical Fishing Gear , 1957 .

[26]  F. Hauck.  Some Harmful Effects of the Electric Shocker on Large Rainbow Trout , 1949 .