Part 5: Electrofishing field trip
The final part of the project involves returning to the release point and undertaking electrofishing (click here to see video clip) to recapture the released salmon fry and other fish species that may be present. The electrofishing must be completed by trained personnel (who should be accredited to Scottish Fisheries Co-ordination Centre standards) and should not involve any children or school staff. The children must be kept out of the water whilst the electrofishing is taking place. Care must be taken to ensure that children do not put their hands in the water when the electrofishing equipment is in the water, even if electrofishing is not being undertaken.
The captured fish can be transferred to buckets, and once a suitable anaesthetic has been added, the fish can be easily handled. The fish catch should be split into several buckets and the children split into several groups which can rotate between buckets to allow them to see the catch. Children should only hold fish with wet hands (dry hands may damage the fish by removing moisture from the fish's skin) and it is advised that children only hold fish over a bucket (in case the fish decides to jump!). You should learn and pass onto the children interesting facts about the other fish species and insects that you might find in the river.
Children should be advised to wash/wipe their hands before snacking!