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On the Electroimmobilization of Fishes for Research and Practice: Opportunities, Challenges, and Research Needs
Author(s) -
Reid Connor H.,
Vandergoot Christopher S.,
Midwood Jonathan D.,
Stevens E. Don,
Bowker Jim,
Cooke Steven J.
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
fisheries
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.725
H-Index - 79
eISSN - 1548-8446
pISSN - 0363-2415
DOI - 10.1002/fsh.10307
Subject(s) - terminology , fish <actinopterygii> , fishery , computer science , field (mathematics) , risk analysis (engineering) , data science , environmental resource management , business , biology , environmental science , mathematics , philosophy , linguistics , pure mathematics
As a result of growing demand for immediate‐release sedatives in fisheries research, electroimmobilization has been receiving increasing attention due to its superior induction and recovery times and practicality, particularly under field conditions. However, a review of electroimmobilization and its role in fisheries science has not been previously conducted. Here we describe and differentiate the various forms of electroimmobilization and attempt to standardize relevant terminology. We review the known efficacy of electroimmobilization of fish and summarize the current available knowledge on this topic while identifying major knowledge gaps. Although more information is needed to determine optimal forms and settings for different species, life history stages, and environmental variables, electroimmobilization is a useful tool for fish handling that equals or surpasses the capabilities of chemical sedatives without exacerbating (and sometimes reducing) the negative consequences associated with chemical sedatives and fish handling practices more generally.