Electrofishing is an effective way to sample freshwater fish populations. However, it may cause injury or mortality to the fish if done incorrectly. Proper balance between efficient sampling and causing minimal harm is achieved through the knowledge of electrofishing principles and use of proper techniques.
This course combines classroom lecture with field demonstration/participation exercises to give attendees the knowledge and basic experience they will need to safely and effectively electrofish. It includes one day of classroom lecture with a field day during which the concepts discussed in class will be demonstrated and practiced by attendees. The class will visit a stream/river/creek and each attendee will operate the equipment under the guidance of the instructor.
The day of field exercises provides attendees with real-world experience applying the concepts discussed in the classroom. The combination of classroom lecture, field demonstration, and participation exercises gives attendees the knowledge and basic experience they will need to safely and effectively electrofish.
"I feel this course greatly improved my understanding of why electrofishing works" Anonymous, May 2015 “[This class provides] an excellent overview of the biological, environmental and technical considerations of e-fishing for all levels of experience. The electrofishing application in the “field” was very helpful for transfer of information and learning of topics discussed in the classroom.” B. McCrācken, June 2013
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This three-day course is intended to meet the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) training requirements for electrofishing field staff. The NMFS guidance and training requirements document may be downloaded here.
Reduced tuition is available to employees of Native American tribes, government agencies, and nonprofits, students, and AFS and NAEP members.
Please wait to receive a course confirmation email, roughly one month prior to the class, before making any travel arrangements.
You may register via the registration button above or by calling the Northwest Environmental Training Center at (425) 270-3274.
This course is intended for biologists, field personnel, and other professionals seeking an improved understanding of the principles and techniques of electrofishing.
Electric Circuits and Fields
Fish Behavior and Welfare
Backpack Electrofishing Systems
| Backpack Operations and Safety
Field Trip Exercises
Sampling Design and Applications
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Attendees will receive a course manual containing workshop proceedings and reference material.
IMPORTANT (Snohomish, WA Course): Our field trip will be to Garden Creek that runs through the facility. You must bring your own gloves, waders, and wading boots but are not required to bring dip nets unless you wish. Snohomish County has issued a permit for the field trip, including the need for us to address the issue of inadvertent transport ofinvasive aquatic species on our equipment. Specifically, our gloves, waders, wading boots and dip nets must be decontaminated during the week prior to the course. If you use them within the week prior, they must be frozen for at least 12 hours and completely dried.”
Please bring a scientific calculator and a pen or pencil, and notepad if you would like to take notes (you may also choose to take notes in your book). We also recommend a laptop with Word, Excel and the ability to read PDF files. For the field, you will need chest waders or hip boots, and suitable outdoor clothing including rain gear. Depending on course location, you may also want to bring insect repellent.
We also recommend non-breathable waders
Lunch will be on your own, but drinks and snacks will be provided throughout the day.