Semi-quantitative electric fishing technique

Semi-quantitative electric fishing is a single-catch electro-fishing technique, based on a minimum population estimate for the area surveyed;  approximately 100 m of the watercourse is sectioned off between two stop nets to prevent fish moving out of the section.

The sites are usually sampled by fishing in an upstream direction towing a small boat containing the electric fishing equipment and fish holding tank, or wading with a back pack. Deeper sites are fished using an inflatable dinghy in a downstream direction from one stop net to the other.

On completion of the run, the fish are measured to fork length and scales are taken if required, and the fish returned to the water.  The total number of fish caught is given as a minimum population estimate.