How does water temperature above 16°C affect electrofishing?

When water temperature exceeds 16°C, it affects the conductivity of the water and the fish in significant ways. As temperature rises, the conductivity of water generally increases due to the higher kinetic energy of water molecules, which allows ions to move more freely.

In this context, when the statement claims that water becomes more conductive than fish, it highlights an important aspect of electrofishing dynamics. At elevated temperatures, the conductivity of water may indeed surpass that of the fish, affecting how electric currents travel through the environment. This increased conductivity allows for more efficient passage of electricity through the water, which can influence the effectiveness of the electrofishing equipment.

This understanding is crucial for electrofishing practices, as it impacts the settings and techniques used to capture fish effectively while ensuring their safety and conservation. Being aware of these conductivity changes can help operators adjust their equipment and approaches based on current environmental conditions, ultimately leading to better results and humane treatments during the electrofishing process.