US experts to 'electrify' DPI’s fishing skills
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US ‘electrofishing’ experts are to teach NSW Government officials how to catch fish for scientific purposes using electric currents at a course in Narrandera from October 8-10.
Department of Primary Industries Research Scientist Dr Dean Gilligan said the course would be conducted by US Fish and Wildlife staff Dr Alan Temple and
Lawrence Kolz, together with Dr Jim Reynolds from the University of Alaska.
"These people have been involved in the use and development of ‘electrofishing’ techniques for many years and are considered experts in their field. DPI staff will benefit greatly from the skills and information delivered through the course," Dr Gilligan said.
Dr Gilligan said that staff from DPI and other government agencies would learn how to undertake ‘electrofishing’ in a safe and efficient manner.
"Electrofishing uses electric currents to attract and temporarily immobilise fish to allow fisheries researchers to catch them. Fish are placed in a live well to recover, after which any necessary biological data is collected and if required, tags attached prior to the fishes release," Dr Gilligan said.
"DPI’s research is all about protecting fish species and this method of catching fish has proven to be the least stressful on them. Proper use of ‘electrofishing’ techniques can minimise injuries to fish and maximise catch rates," he said.
"DPI utilises ‘electrofishing’ techniques for important research such as: population assessments, biodiversity monitoring, threatened species recovery and monitoring programs, pest species monitoring or removal, monitoring stocked fish populations and fish passage studies.
"Having DPI researchers do this course ensures they remain at the forefront of scientific methods and techniques that are considered best practice," he said.
Editors/CoS’s, please note: on Wednesday 10 October (between 1pm and 4pm), course participants will take part in a field trip to the NSW DPI Narrandera Fisheries Centre, where they will see ‘electrofishing’ demonstrations.
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