What is an electric fishing rod? Modern electric fishing gear used by poachers, despite the imposing name, looks quite modest.
What is an electric fishing rod? Modern electric fishing gear used by poachers, despite the imposing name, looks quite modest. As a rule, it is a small box with a step-up pulse voltage converter from 12-24 V to 300-800 V. A small battery is usually used as a power source. A net with a metal frame is connected to the electric fishing rod, which serves as the fishing tool. The second electrode, in the form of an exposed wire, is lowered directly into the water at some distance from the net. Fishing is typically carried out from a boat, with two poachers usually involved. One of them scoops up the fish stunned by the powerful electromagnetic field from the water, while the second manoeuvres the boat with oars.
What harm does an electric fishing rod cause to fish? Under the influence of the pulsed electromagnetic field, fish are "stunned" and disoriented in space; it is at this moment that poachers catch them. In doing so, the "electricians" literally wipe out all living creatures in the water body, and a huge amount of fish dies and sinks to the bottom. Not only ichthyofauna but also other aquatic organisms suffer. Moreover, even if a fish manages to escape the influence of the electromagnetic field, it does not go unnoticed by its organism. The powerful electric field has a detrimental effect on the reproductive capacity of fish, sterilizing them. Poachers using electric fishing rods cause particular harm during the spawning season; they destroy not only the fish but also all the eggs they have laid.
Why is it difficult to apprehend "electric" poachers? The compactness of electric fishing gear creates numerous problems in combating this type of poaching. In case of danger, poachers immediately discard the electric fishing rod and the caught fish overboard, trying to appear before inspectors as ordinary amateur anglers peacefully fishing at dusk. Therefore, State Inspectorate officers have to keep up with the times; modern surveillance and video recording equipment are used during raids, and camera traps are installed in "hot" spots. A hotline is constantly operational to receive reports from the public about illegal fishing activities. Sooner or later, the "electricians" do fall into the hands of inspectors.
Responsibility for using an electric fishing rod? Regarding the harm caused by the use of electric fishing rods for catching fish