Ecological Evaluation Technical Guidance - State of New Jersey

higher trophic level receptors. Lipids and percent moisture should beanalyzed in each sample.Generally, when fish are selected for community survey purposes, the goal isto collect all species in a defined area. Two common fish collection methodsfor biological survey purposes are seining, which has a limited efficacydepending on habitat, and electrofishing, which, when used appropriately,greatly increases the number of available individuals captured. Often a seine isset on the downstream end of the selected survey reach to ensure capture of allstunned individuals including those not captured by the personnel at theelectrofishing location itself. In most cases, a pulsed DC current is usedbecause this keeps mortality low. An AC current may be needed in streamswith low conductivity. Other methods, such as gill nets and minnow traps,can be used.The type of electrofishing gear used (e.g., backpack, boat, barge) is dependenton the stream characteristics. The selection of the reach used should bereflective of the data needs for the risk assessment and should include allmajor subhabitats characteristic of the area. Sampling should be conducted inJune through early October during normal flow conditions. Sampling duringthe winter, at night, and during atypical flow conditions will not produce arepresentative data set.Electrofishing should only be performed by trained personnel. Proper permitsmust be obtained (http://www.nj.gov/dep/fgw/scicolperm.htm). Detailedprocedures are given in the Rapid Assessment Protocols for use in WadeableStreams and Rivers (USEPA, 1999b) including QA/QC and important safetyprecautions.The method used most often to collect individual fish is to work slowlyupstream capturing all stunned fish as they drift. These fish are then placed inlive wells (situated outside of the current impact area) to reduce mortality.Once the fish in the selected reach have been collected, the specimens areidentified in the field to species level, and all data are recorded on data sheets.Fish less than 20 mm long are not included in tallies because of theirseasonality and limited response to the sampling method. Other data may becollected depending on the specific study design. Identification should bemade by an experienced biologist or ecologist familiar with New Jerseyfishes. Once all organisms have been identified, the fish are released back intothe stream. Voucher specimens may be collected as the needs of the projectdictate.Physicochemical and habitat data should be conducted on the same day as thesurvey is conducted. If the data collection requires disturbing targeted habitat,it should be conducted either after the survey is complete or just outside thesurvey area.During collection of fish, sampling personnel should record observations suchas species identification, number of species, sex, age, length, weight, disease,and presence of gross histopathological anomalies that may be present in suchEcological Evaluation Technical Guidance Document 52Version 1.2 8/29/12