What does "target species" refer to in the context of electrofishing?

In the context of electrofishing, "target species" refers specifically to the species of fish that are the intended focus for capture and study during an electrofishing operation. This term is crucial because it emphasizes the primary goals of the electrofishing effort, which typically include assessing the population, health, or behavior of certain fish species that are of interest to researchers, conservationists, or fishery managers.

Target species are selected based on various factors, such as their ecological role, conservation status, or recreational importance. Identifying these species helps researchers determine the effectiveness of their sampling techniques and ensures that management practices are tailored to protect and enhance those populations.

In contrast, the other options represent different aspects of fish populations or management strategies that do not align with the primary focus of the electrofishing process. For instance, the identification of non-target species or the consideration of species impact would fall under different categories of decision-making in fish management practices and do not directly relate to the specified aim of targeting certain species during electrofishing surveys.