The Margaree Salmon Association in northern Cape Breton has been using electrofishing to monitor fish populations in the Margaree River for the past few years. This method involves applying an electric current to temporarily stun fish, allowing crews to safely capture, measure, and identify them before returning them to the water. According to Michael Fabiano, the association’s conservation co-ordinator, electrofishing operations are conducted from May to late September, with a minimal two per cent mortality rate among the thousands of fish processed each season.
Fish safety is the primary concern for the crews, as emphasized by Fabiano, who mentions avoiding electrofishing in high water temperatures. Crew members carefully regulate current levels to ensure that fish are only briefly affected by the electricity. To mitigate risks associated with working with electricity in water, team members wear protective gear such as heavy rubber gloves and chest waders. Fortunately, there have been no reports of serious electrical incidents during Fabiano’s tenure with the group.
The crews conduct surveys along the 120-kilometre river to pinpoint the most productive streams and evaluate the overall health of the fish population. The majority of the catch, approximately 95%, consists of 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, explains that the group intensified its scientific research efforts due to reduced data collection by Fisheries and Oceans Canada over the past five years. Established in 1982, the association sought reliable data to monitor river health amidst changing climate conditions. To address the data gap, the association partnered with the Chéticamp River Salmon Association to procure electrofishing equipment. While manual fish counting in the river is also conducted, MacNeil highlights the superior accuracy of electrofishing in assessing juvenile fish populations.
In summary, the Margaree Salmon Association’s use of electrofishing serves as a vital tool in monitoring and safeguarding fish populations in the Margaree River, ensuring the sustainability of this important ecosystem for future generations.