How can excessive electrofishing impact a fish population?

Excessive electrofishing can lead to population depletion because it significantly reduces the number of fish in a given area. When electrofishing is overused or not conducted in a responsible manner, it can result in the removal of too many individuals from a population. This impacts the fish's reproductive potential, as fewer fish can lead to diminished spawning activities and a decline in the overall population size. Additionally, over-harvesting individuals can upset the balance of age and size classes within the population, hindering its ability to recover over time. Sustainable practices in electrofishing are essential to ensure that fish populations remain healthy and viable for future generations.