Tiffan response to Reynolds, J. B. 2022. Correspondence regarding: Tiffan, K. F. and N. J. Eller 2022. Backpack electrofishing does not contribute to external signs of gas bubble trauma in sculpins. Aquaculture, Fish and Fisheries, 1–6. https://doi.org/10.1002/aff2.81

Abstract

Reynolds is correct in pointing out that electrofishing could theoretically cause electrolysis that would cause the disassociation of water molecules into their gaseous constituents that could possibly contribute to GBT. GBT is caused by the total gas pressure in the water that comprises mainly dissolved nitrogen and oxygen. While past studies have shown that at times oxygen partial pressure can contribute to GBT, evidence suggests that nitrogen is the primary factor that would not be influenced by the electrolysis described above (see the review by Weitcamp and Katz, 1980). Regardless, as Reynolds noted, in our study none of the control fish tested showed signs of GBT after receiving the electroshock treatment. Furthermore, none of the test fish that showed no signs of GBT prior to treatment ever showed signs of GBT following treatment. This further supports for our conclusion that electrofishing does not contribute to external signs of GBT. Reynolds suggests that the study should have focused on treating fish free from TDG (i.e., unsaturated water) to determine electroshock effects on GBT development. I question why a study like that would be done in the absence of any data that would suggest such an effect given the lack of a plausible physiological mechanism. Since the advent of electrofishing, I am unaware of any reports of GBT being observed in fishes collected from waters with unsaturated TDG.

As far as the lack of detailed methods, it was suggested that the original manuscript be shortened to the journal's “Short Communication” format. This necessitated reducing the manuscript length by over 50%, and much of the original detail in the Methods section was removed. The original full-length manuscript is included as an appendix in a report that can be found at https://www.cbfish.org/Document.mvc/Viewer/P197308.