electrofishing
noun
elec·tro·fish·ing
i-ˈlek-trō-ˌfi-shiŋ 
: fishing that employs a direct electric current to attract and usually temporarily immobilize fish for easy capture
Examples of electrofishing in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The practice, called electrofishing, is common among fish researchers, or ichthyologists.
—
Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 18 June 2025
In October 2024, state fisheries biologists caught Alabama bass in the Roanoke and Tar rivers with boat electrofishing, Dockendorf said.
—Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 13 Apr. 2025
Before the day was done, the fish rescue teams trekked over miles of creek, used electrofishing and nets to nab as many fish as possible, put them in buckets, and climbed up steep slopes to trucks waiting to take the fish to safety.
—Anton Sorokin, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 Feb. 2025
Unfortunately, commercial electrofishing is now breaking the dolphins’ trust and threatening their future as they are frequently shocked and killed.
—Scott Travers, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
That's where the electrofishing or trawling for samples comes in.
—Flip Putthoff, Arkansas Online, 7 Nov. 2023
In order to test the health of the ecosystem, officials use a method called electrofishing, which gently shocks the fish (without hurting them) and forces them to float to the surface of the water so surveyors can check for any signs indicating unhealthy water, Houck said.
—Marika Gerken, CNN, 8 Dec. 2020
Shepard says that backpack electrofishing could be used to fend off any invasive fish in smaller streams—including escapees from fish farms.
—Gabe Rivin, Discover Magazine, 24 Nov. 2014
This year, the sewer district’s electrofishing will begin June 15 and go through Oct. 15.
—Peter Krouse, cleveland, 13 May 2022
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Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 18 June 2025
In October 2024, state fisheries biologists caught Alabama bass in the Roanoke and Tar rivers with boat electrofishing, Dockendorf said.
—Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 13 Apr. 2025
Before the day was done, the fish rescue teams trekked over miles of creek, used electrofishing and nets to nab as many fish as possible, put them in buckets, and climbed up steep slopes to trucks waiting to take the fish to safety.
—Anton Sorokin, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 Feb. 2025
Unfortunately, commercial electrofishing is now breaking the dolphins’ trust and threatening their future as they are frequently shocked and killed.
—Scott Travers, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
That's where the electrofishing or trawling for samples comes in.
—Flip Putthoff, Arkansas Online, 7 Nov. 2023
In order to test the health of the ecosystem, officials use a method called electrofishing, which gently shocks the fish (without hurting them) and forces them to float to the surface of the water so surveyors can check for any signs indicating unhealthy water, Houck said.
—Marika Gerken, CNN, 8 Dec. 2020
Shepard says that backpack electrofishing could be used to fend off any invasive fish in smaller streams—including escapees from fish farms.
—Gabe Rivin, Discover Magazine, 24 Nov. 2014
This year, the sewer district’s electrofishing will begin June 15 and go through Oct. 15.
—Peter Krouse, cleveland, 13 May 2022
Cite this Entry
“Electrofishing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/electrofishing. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.
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