What is a standard practice regarding fish handling post-electrofishing?

Minimizing the time fish are out of the water and handling them gently is essential for their survival and well-being after electrofishing. Prolonged exposure to air can lead to stress, injury, or even death due to oxygen deprivation. When fish are handled roughly or kept out of water for extended periods, it can significantly increase their stress levels and reduce their chance of recovery.

Gentle handling allows researchers to safely examine, measure, or tag the fish without causing harm. This is particularly important because fish have delicate internal structures that can be damaged easily. By prioritizing the health of the fish during post-electrofishing procedures, researchers ensure that the data collected remains relevant and ethical, supporting conservation efforts while minimizing impact on fish populations.

The other options, such as keeping fish out of water for too long, using bare hands without proper care, or rough handling, directly contravene the best practices for fish handling and can lead to negative consequences for both the fish and the integrity of the research.