Why is it necessary to handle fish gently after electrofishing?

Handling fish gently after electrofishing is crucial to reduce stress and increase their survival rates. When fish are subjected to electrofishing, they experience certain physiological responses due to the electric current, which can be stressful. If they are handled roughly afterwards, this stress can be exacerbated, potentially leading to injury or mortality.

Gentle handling helps minimize trauma and allows fish to recover more quickly. Stress can affect their immune system and overall physiological health; therefore, ensuring a gentle touch helps improve the chances that these fish will survive once released back into their environment. Proper handling techniques not only promote the well-being of the fish but also contribute to the effectiveness of electrofishing as a tool in fish population studies and management.

The other choices, such as preparing fish for tagging or making them easier to photograph, while relevant to certain practices in fisheries management, are secondary in importance to the critical need to minimize stress and ensure survival of the fish post-capture. Transport considerations are also important but do not directly address the immediate needs of the fish's health and recovery.