Electrofishing

Electrofishing is a key part of the Eden Rivers Trust’s work. 

It involves passing an electric current through the river which attracts the fish and allows them to be caught easily (they are then counted, measured and released unharmed).

It is a technique used to establish the size of the fish population in specific parts of the river, which is an indication of the water and habitat quality in that area. Salmon and trout (salmonids) are good indicator species of the general health of the river, being widely distributed throughout the catchment but rare or absent in areas of poor water quality or habitat degradation.

The Trust uses the data from the electrofishing surveys alongside the data gathered from analysed aerial images of the Eden Catchment to identify where to target restoration work.

In areas where populations have disappeared, for example above impassable manmade barriers the Trust will consider stocking with eggs from local fish to re-establish a population prior to removal of the barrier.
For more information on best practice recommendations for fisheries management and stocking, please refer to www.salmonid21c.org. 

The Environment Agency (EA) also carries out electro fishing to monitor all fish species. The Trust surveys are intended to complement them.

Click here to find out about the history of our electrofishing programme and access our reports.

We need your help! 
The Eden Rivers Trust would not be able to complete the surveys without the help of brilliant volunteers, so thank you to all who have helped in the past.

The work is carried out from mid July to the end of September every year. It’s a great opportunity to see some beautiful parts of the River Eden and its tributaries while helping to collect vital fisheries data that will help to direct restoration work.

The Trust needs more volunteers. If you would like more information please contact the Fisheries Officer  This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it  on 01768 866788. 

Download the 2006 electrofishing report here.