If a constant fright zone occurs, what should be done first to improve galvanotaxis?

Improving galvanotaxis in a constant fright zone can involve adjustments to the electrofishing parameters, specifically the duty cycle. The duty cycle refers to the proportion of time that electrical current is actively being applied versus the time that it is off during each cycle of electrofishing.

Increasing the duty cycle can enhance galvanotaxis by allowing fish more opportunities to move towards the stimulus created by the electric field. A higher duty cycle means that the fish will experience longer periods of electrical stimulation, potentially guiding them more effectively towards the electrode. This can lead to improved fish captures, as the fish typically react to the electric current by moving towards the anode, the positively charged electrode.

Adjusting other parameters, such as voltage or frequency, may have different impacts on fish behavior but could also lead to unintended stress or fright responses. Therefore, optimizing the duty cycle is a focused approach to promote more effective movement of fish toward the fishing gear, ultimately enhancing the success of the electofishing operation.