In what situation is alternating current (AC) more preferred in electrofishing?

Alternating current (AC) is favored in electrofishing scenarios where a more lethal method is necessary due to its physiological effects on fish. AC can induce powerful muscular contractions, which can incapacitate fish more effectively than direct current (DC) in certain situations. This capability is particularly beneficial when higher lethality is needed for effective population control or for the collection of fish in surveys where the goal is to capture individuals rather than to simply sample them.

In contrast to this, lower voltage requirements, lack of preference for AC, and large population targeting do not accurately represent scenarios conducive to the use of AC. Lower voltage generally aligns with the use of DC, where the aim might be more about stunning or temporarily incapacitating fish rather than causing lethal effects. Additionally, while AC can be utilized for different population sizes, its lethal capacity is a defining factor when the primary goal is to ensure a fatal capture as opposed to non-lethal sampling methods.