RE: Re: [RML] results of the recent Ash Meadows conservation trip

peter.unmack at ASU.Edu
Thu, 23 Oct 1997 13:02:59 -0700 (MST)

On Thu, 23 Oct 1997, Harro Hieronimus wrote:

> >That may work on the bass to some extent, but have you ever tried
> >shocking a 10 mm damnbusia?
>
> Yes, and it works.

Shocking small fish is difficult, especially if conductivites are a bit
high as they tend to be in springs. You would need to be really cranking
out the current to affect the smaller fish, hence you would be really
beating the crap out of the larger ones around.

> >Also, you have to consider the effects on
> >repeated shocking on the native fish and invertebrates.
>
> No effects expected if experts are working.

So, you don't think repeatadly shocking an organism such that it's muscle
tense up and hence it becomes immobile is likely to do it any harm?
Injuries from shocking may include broken bones/vertebrae, torn muscles
and I would imagine burst blood vessels would also be possible. As you
increase the number of times you shock an organism you increase the
probability of damage occuring. What would you think Bjorn? Do you
think that sufficent electric shock to knock you over and immobilise you
was continued for 10-20 seconds several times in one day would have much of
a negative effect on you? :-)

Cheers

Peter Unmack