The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has been busy surveying fish populations in local streams and rivers with the help of a very interesting piece of technology… What’s a little electricity between friends?

One of the NYS DEC’s many responsibilities is keeping track of wildlife health across the state, including our scaly friends that call New York waterways home. Some of the equipment used for the projects, however, looks like it was pulled form a Hollywood script.

Green Bay Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office via Facebook

Green Bay Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office via FacebookFish Research Technology Used in New York State

The electroshocking backpacks that look like they should be worn by the next group of actors to remake Ghostbusters aren’t the only strange item at the NYS DEC’s disposal when it comes to local fish. While the backpacks are used during research exhibitions, their fishmobile was on tour earlier in the year during stocking season (below). But back to the backpacks…

NYS DEC Using Electroshocking Backpacks for Fish Research

This season, the NYS DEC’s focus is in upstate New York where they are surveying fish in the Great Chazy River. While they have already made some impressive findings (below), the wildest part of their project might be their specialized backpacks that make collecting the fish quicker and easier than ever.

What Are Electroshocking Backpacks?

The electroshocking backpacks are central to the NYS DEC‘s mission to catch and release the subjects of their research projects. The backpacks (below) house a battery as well as a digital interface to set the level of electricity. Then, a “shock” is sent through a controlled area of shallow water, briefly paralyzing the muscles of nearby fish, causing them to float to the surface for collection.

Ontario County Soil & Water Conservation District via Facebook/www.smith-root.com

The stunned fish are observed, measured, and photographed by NYS DEC staff before they are safely returned to the water. New Yorkers may have also seen this technology in larger scale operations called “electrofishing“, where the same process is used from the deck of a boat (below).

Meghan Marchetti, Department of Wildlife Resources

Meghan Marchetti, Department of Wildlife Resources

In the case of electrofishing, long rods (above) deliver electric currents into the water, temporarily stunning fish similar to the process with electroshocking backpacks. Check out more local fish information, including the last free fishing day of the year, below.

New York State Free Fishing Days 2025

Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the return of New York State’s free fishing days for 2025. There are other programs offered like a rod loaner program and a learn to fish program. The license requirement will be waived for freshwater fishing on the following dates:

Gallery Credit: Canva

Photos: Massive Eagles Fight Over Fish on the Hudson

Gallery Credit: Jonah