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Electricity is being used by researchers to trap aggressive non-native fish species suspected of being dispersed via hurricanes in lakes.

Scientists commence their duties pre-dawn at a Florida lake, intent on locating Asian swamp eels. These eels, along with other invasive species, are gradually making inroads into the southeastern United States, a phenomenon that may be attributed to floodwaters carrying them away.

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Researchers are utilizing electric currents to catch invasive species from lakes, which they...
Researchers are utilizing electric currents to catch invasive species from lakes, which they speculate are moved by hurricanes.

Electricity is being used by researchers to trap aggressive non-native fish species suspected of being dispersed via hurricanes in lakes.

In the waters of Florida, scientists are on a mission to locate new populations of the Asian swamp eel and understand their origins. This invasive species, known for its ability to carry parasites and cause damage to waterways, poses a significant threat to native species.

The Asian swamp eel, a snake-like fish when seen up close, is notorious for its nocturnal habits, excellent hiding skills, and slippery nature. The arrival of these eels is believed to be the result of human activities, such as the release from Asian food markets, live animal markets, or the bait trade.

The US Geological Survey (USGS), along with the US Army Corps of Engineers and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, are studying the captured eels to better understand their impact on the local ecosystem.

The team's efforts are not limited to the Asian swamp eel. They are also concerned about the spread of Cuban tree frogs and alligatorweed, and the potential arrival of giant salvinia, a dense, matting weed that can reduce oxygen levels in water.

The St. Johns River, a major commercial and recreational waterway, is a particular area of concern due to the potential spread of giant salvinia.

Hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024 provided opportunities for new areas to be hit, primarily along the Florida and Georgia coasts. This could have allowed invasive species to spread, as up to 114 non-native species could have relocated amid the floods, with 56 of them being invasive.

The USGS Wetland and Aquatic Research Center has a database to catalogue and track more than 1,400 non-native species across the US. This database is crucial in understanding the spread and impact of invasive species.

Ian Pfingsten, a botanist with the USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database, focuses on the arrival of invasive species in the country's waterways. His work is instrumental in tracking the Asian swamp eel and other invasive species.

Currently, the team of scientists has caught seven Asian swamp eels during their study. They are using an electroshock boat to stun the fish in the water and collect them. The electroshock boat sends electricity into the lake, causing a loud trill.

For those interested in specific researchers or active research projects, consulting the websites of organisations like the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and the University of Florida, or scientific publication databases like Google Scholar, may provide more current information and research reports on this topic.

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