Exploring the effect on marine fish of electric fields of a fish‐protection

Aim. Experimental assessment of the impact of electric fields generated by the Electronic Programmable Complex Fish‐protecting Facility on the Electric Principle (EP EPRCFF) on the most common fish species of the Black Sea.Material and Methods. Experimental studies were conducted at the marine test site in the Quarantine Bay of the Black Sea (May‐September, 2021). The following were investigated on larvae, juvenile and adult fish of common species: behavioral responses to electrical fields, survival during and after exposure to the electric field of the fish barrier and the effects of electricity on the reproductive system and biochemical parameters of fish.Results. The features of behavior and distribution of larvae, juvenile and adult fish in the electric field of a fish barrier in modes of different intensity have been analysed. Survival estimation of fish during and after electric influence of the fish barrier has been carried out. The data on the influence of the electric screen on the reproductive system of fish and the biochemical characteristics of their internal organs were analysed.Conclusion. The larvae of fish exhibit a clear “first reaction” to the impact of the electric fish screen. However, there is no avoidance effect (i.e. escape of fish larvae from the area of the working electrode system). The juveniles actively move from the operation zone of the fish‐protective device, avoiding the influence of the electric field. The maximum distance from the electrode system EPRCFF was recorded in adult fish. Significant differences were not revealed in the direct assessment of the survival rate of control and experimental groups of individuals of different species of marine fish after exposure to the electric fish barrier. Some differences on the reproductive system of the fish species studied in the structure of gonads and reactivity of cells were noted under the influence of the electric barrier. The biochemical status of the internal organs under electrical action differed in various species of marine fish.