Fish survey, Tuesday, Sept. 22
Roaring Brook Lake Fish Survey
Tuesday, September 22, 6pm to midnight
Purpose: To study the fish in RBL. Specifically, we hope to evaluate the growth rate of the largemouth bass. In addition, the abundance and diversity of various fish species is an indicator of the ecological health of the lake.
Gas-powered Motor Boat: For the safety of all, the Town Board has granted a special-use permit for the gas-powered motor boat.
Light and Noise: Residents should be aware that there will be spotlights and an operational generator used (moderate noise) during the survey.
Spread the word: We apologize for any inconvenience from the spotlights or noise. Please help to spread the word about this survey, so that neighbors are not surprised.
Safety: If you should happen to be in a watercraft during the survey, it is important that you keep a distance from the survey boat. The Putnam County Sheriff’s Department has been notified of the survey.
Just to clarify, no one is proposing that we allow gas-powered motor boats on the lake generally. This is a rare, occasional occurrence, used only when needed — for example, the Town permitted a gas motor on RBL in 2017 for our bathymetry studies. Our lake manager, A. J. Reyes, will be on board the boat to supervise the work. There will be 4 other people on the boat, as well as heavy technical equipment. It is a specialized boat with room for the scientists and technicians to move around, and to take measurements from individual fish.
The group who we have contracted for the work is from SUNY Cobleskill and they specialize in fisheries surveys. The Town has experience with the group — they did a similar fisheries study on Oscawana a few years ago and the Town was very happy with the work. A. J. has also worked with SUNY Cobleskill and recommended them highly. In addition, their costs are about a third of what we would pay if we used a private, commercial group. People also expressed concern about electrofishing. Electrofishing is preferred for studies. It is considered more humane, less stressful, and safer for the fish than netting them and taking them out of the water.
FAQ about electrofishing
How does the electrofishing boat work?
An electrofishing boat uses a generator to produce electricity. The electricity travels to the poles, called booms, at the front of the boat and into the water. The electric field does not kill fish but temporarily stuns or impairs those that swim within a 6- to 8-foot radius from the booms. The fish can then be scooped up and handled with little stress or injury.
Does electrofishing hurt the fish?
Its effects on most fishes are typically minimal. If done properly, this sampling technique can be much less damaging than methods that entangle or trap fish, which may injure or even kill them. Electrofishing also does not harm the eggs of female fish; in fact, the FWC uses electrofishing to collect females for breeding at the state hatcheries.
What are you doing with the fish?
Depending on the sampling objective, biologists may collect data on every fish collected or just certain species. In most cases, biologists measure and record each fish’s length and weight and release it back into the water. They may also collect blood samples or tag the fish as part of ongoing studies. In some cases, fish are not released but kept for laboratory studies to determine age or collect information such as mercury and pesticide levels.
How long are the fish stunned?
Several factors contribute to how long the current stuns the fish, including the species and size of the fish and the temperature of the water. In most cases, stunning occurs within the first few seconds of entering the electric field and lasts from a few seconds to several minutes.
What happens if a person falls into the water during electrofishing?
A biologist at the front of the boat has control of the pedal switch that releases the electricity. If the biologist’s foot comes off the pedal, the power automatically turns off. The driver of the boat can also shut down the power in an emergency. The research team takes appropriate safety measures to prevent injuries.
Can you use an electrofishing boat in saltwater?
No. The conductivity of saltwater is higher than the conductivity of the fish. In saltwater, the electricity goes around the fish instead of through it, rendering this technique ineffective for fish collection.
Can I use electricity to fish?
No. It is illegal for anglers to use electricity to fish.