In recent years, the Margaree Salmon Association in northern Cape Breton has employed electrofishing as a method to monitor fish populations in the Margaree River. This technique involves the use of an electric current to temporarily stun fish, allowing crews to safely capture, measure, and identify them before releasing them back into the river.
Michael Fabiano, the association’s conservation co-ordinator, mentioned that electrofishing operations typically run from May to late September each year. Despite processing thousands of fish during the season, the mortality rate stands at just two percent. Safety measures are paramount, with crew members refraining from electrofishing in high water temperatures to protect the well-being of the fish.
The crew carefully regulates the electric current to ensure fish are momentarily affected, wearing protective gear such as heavy rubber gloves and chest waders to prevent accidents. During Fabiano’s tenure of 18 months with the group, no crew member has experienced a serious electric shock while working in the water.
Surveying various sites along the 120-kilometre river enables the team to pinpoint the most productive streams and evaluate the overall health of the fish population. The catch predominantly comprises trout and Atlantic salmon, with occasional sightings of eels and lampreys. This season, the association has captured and released around 1,800 fish across nine streams, a decrease from the previous year.
Paul MacNeil, the association’s president, explained that the group intensified its scientific research efforts due to reduced data collection by Fisheries and Oceans Canada over the past five years. With the aim of tracking river health amidst shifting climate conditions, the association collaborated with the Chéticamp River Salmon Association to acquire electrofishing equipment. While manual fish counts are conducted by members, electrofishing provides more precise data on juvenile fish populations.
According to MacNeil, electrofishing offers a comprehensive view of juvenile fish within a specific area. The collaboration between the associations ensures a more accurate assessment of the river’s fish population dynamics and health status.