Auckland Council Uses Electrofishing for Humane Pest Control

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  Published in Science and Technology on Thursday, February 12th 2026 at 16:07 GMT by rnz
      Locales: Auckland, NEW ZEALAND

Auckland Council Pioneers Humane Pest Control at Western Springs Lake with Electrofishing

Auckland Council is forging a new path in ecological management, moving away from traditional pest control methods and embracing a more targeted and humane approach at Western Springs Lake. The initiative, launched today, involves the use of electrofishing - a technique utilizing precisely calibrated electrical currents to manage invasive fish populations, paving the way for the restoration of the lake's native ecosystem.

For years, Western Springs Lake has struggled under the weight of invasive species, primarily goldfish and koi carp, alongside other introduced varieties. These non-native fish aggressively outcompete indigenous fish and disrupt the delicate balance of the lake's plant life. Traditional methods, largely reliant on netting, have proven inefficient and often lacked the precision needed to effectively target pest species without inadvertently harming native fauna. Netting can be a laborious process, causing stress to all fish caught, and requiring significant manpower. It's also difficult to selectively remove specific species, often resulting in bycatch - the unintentional capture of non-target animals.

Now, Auckland Council is trialling electrofishing as a superior alternative. Sarah Ramsey, Senior Ranger for Auckland Council, explains the process: "Electrofishing uses a non-lethal electrical field to temporarily attract fish. This isn't about shocking them to death; it's about gently drawing them towards our collection equipment." The fish, momentarily stunned, are then carefully netted and transported off-site for humane euthanasia, a critical component of the council's ethical commitment. This ensures minimal suffering and aligns with growing public expectations for animal welfare even in pest control operations.

The benefits of electrofishing extend beyond simply being more humane. Ramsey emphasizes the increased efficiency and targeted nature of the technique. "We can now specifically target the invasive species, minimizing impact on native fish populations. This allows for a much more controlled and effective reduction in pest numbers." This precision is crucial for a lake like Western Springs, which still harbors vulnerable native species that need to be protected during the culling process. The council anticipates that this targeted approach will lead to a more rapid and sustainable recovery of the lake's biodiversity.

The operation is being conducted by a dedicated team comprising council staff and trained volunteers, highlighting a collaborative approach to environmental stewardship. The team has undergone specialized training in electrofishing techniques and animal handling protocols, ensuring the operation adheres to the highest standards of safety and ethical practice. They are also carefully monitoring the water quality throughout the process to ensure no unintended consequences for the lake's overall health.

This initiative is part of a broader Auckland Council strategy to protect and restore the region's freshwater ecosystems. The council acknowledges the increasing threat posed by invasive species to New Zealand's unique biodiversity and is actively investing in innovative solutions. The success of the Western Springs Lake trial could see electrofishing adopted as a standard practice in other Auckland waterways facing similar challenges. There is also potential for this technology to be shared with other regional councils throughout New Zealand, and even internationally, offering a blueprint for humane and effective pest control.

Looking ahead, the council plans to conduct thorough post-operation monitoring to assess the effectiveness of the electrofishing trial. This will involve regular surveys of fish populations, water quality analysis, and assessments of native plant growth. The data collected will be used to refine the technique and optimize its application in future operations. The long-term goal is to create a self-sustaining ecosystem at Western Springs Lake, where native species thrive and the threat of invasive species is minimized. This requires an ongoing commitment to monitoring, adaptive management, and continued investment in innovative ecological solutions like electrofishing. The council hopes this initiative will inspire a wider shift towards more responsible and sustainable approaches to pest control, prioritizing both environmental health and animal welfare.