WTA Electro-Fishing
Project
Monitoring the fishery
The WTA has conducted electro-fishing surveys to monitor fish populations across its waters. These surveys are the most accurate method available for assessing fish numbers, size distribution, and species composition in river sections that are difficult to evaluate through angling alone.
Electro-fishing involves temporarily stunning fish using a mild electrical current, allowing them to be counted, measured, and identified before they are returned to the water unharmed. The data collected informs beat management decisions, including whether certain sections should be rested or managed more carefully.
The WTA’s electro-fishing work has been supported by Jake Alletson, Maxi Holder, and South African Scoring System (SASS) river health assessments. The data gathered through the annual festival’s catch returns provides a complementary and annually updated picture of the fishery’s condition.