Comparison of Fish Catch Between an Electric Seine and Backpack Electrofishers in Shoal Habitat of the Chipola River, Florida

We conducted a gear comparison study to determine the best fish-sampling methodology in shoal habitat to assist with the development of a long-term fish community monitoring program on the Chipola River, Florida. Shoal habitat occurs throughout the southeastern United States, is shallow (< 1 m), and contains rock substrate and outcroppings, which limits boat electrofishing to the habitat margins. We compared the relative effectiveness of an electric seine and backpack electrofishers. Twenty-five randomly selected sites (4 m wide by 5 m long) per gear type were block netted and sampled across four shoals from August 28 to October 3, 2014. Habitat variables were recorded for each site. Using backpack electrofishers, 1,155 fish representing 21 species were collected. Using the electric seine, 1,036 fish representing 22 species were collected. We found no significant differences between gear types in mean total catch per site, mean species richness per site, Shannon's diversity, Simpson's dominance, Pielou's evenness, or the rate of species accumulation. Therefore, we consider the two gear types to be equally effective for block-netted sites in large river shoals. Differences in available equipment, funding, and personnel were compared and may ultimately determine which gear type is used in future studies.