Outputs from Smith-Root Boat Electrofishers

Pope, K. L., Department of Range, Wildlife, and Fisheries Management, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas 79409, kpope@ttu.edu

Van Zee, B. E., Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Inland Fisheries Division, P.O. Box 835, Canyon, Texas 79015

We evaluated the outputs from eight Smith-Root electrofishers (two factory-rigged 5.0 GPP boats, four biologist-rigged 5.0 GPP boats and two biologist-rigged 7.5 GPP boats) using an oscilloscope to determine the actual waveforms (voltage as a function of time), current and power produced for various settings. No differences were found in average power outputs among the six 5.0 GPP electrofishing boats and outputs were similar among the two 7.5 GPP boats. Thus, biologist-rigged electrofishing boats using Smith-Root manufactured generators and control boxes are an effective and cheaper alternative to Smith-Root factory-rigged electrofishing boats. We were unable to calculate power output produced by the Smith-Root electrofishers with only information obtained from the control boxes (e.g., the ammeter is calibrated to indicate the voltage range suggested for electrofishing). Thus, additional meters (e.g., voltage meter capable of measuring true root mean square) would be needed to determine power output in the field. An increase in resistance (simulating a decrease in water conductivity) resulted in a decrease in average power and current and a slight increase in voltage. Further research is needed to assess electrical fields produced in water with different conductivities. Furthermore, we need an assessment to determine how much power (and associated power density) is needed to sample fish.

Copyright © 1999
Texas Chapter of the American Fisheries Society
Last modified: 03/03/04 04:15:38 PM