Electrofishing AMAN DAN SELEKTIF UNTUK PENANGKAPAN LELE (Study of Human Safe Electrofishing Which Selective to Catch Catfish)

Abstract

Electrofishing currently has been banned by Indonesian Government since 2004, regardless, some of the people still do that secretly. The banning caused by the thought that electrofishing indeed harmful to human safety and aquatic ecosystem. This research aimed to obtain the electricity current that safe and effective to catch the proper size of catfish (Clarias sp.) without harming the aquatic ecosystem. Desired electricity current strength is the one that able to temporarily immobilised catfish quickly with long time to be conscious so gives longer time in harvesting activity. The amount catfish used in the experiment was 90 fishes with average body length 18.5-32.5 cm, divided in to 3 groups. Each group consists of 30 catfishes which shocked by current strength of 1 mA, 2 mA, and 3 mA. Each of the current strength still regarded as save as it has not given negative effect to human body (Ouazani et al. 2012). Result showed that the most recommended electric current is 2 mA as it is safe for human body and able to shock the catfishes effectively. Unconscious time of catfish with body length of ≥ 24.5 cm were between 83 – 140 seconds, which faster compared to 1 mA (120-309 seconds), with conscious time of 117-225 seconds which took longer than 3 mA (79-125 seconds).