The Code of Practice contained herein is suggested as a base upon which to build. Those people who use electric fishing gear should be encouraged to suggest improvements to equipment and the safety protocol. The formation of local or national committees should also be advocated to review and/or implement policy on a regular basis so that new procedures and technology can be immediately available. In addition, equipment manufacturers should be apprised of new safety requirements so that new gear meets expected current standards.
All jurisdictions that presently lack a policy should be encouraged to implement one forthwith. This is particularly important in developing countries where there are serious financial constraints preventing the purchase of modern gear. In these countries, every effort should be made to upgrade existing equipment to comply with the minimal safety standards contained in the Code of Practice. Fortunately, the trend is towards implementing standardized electric fishing safety policies and excellent support has been generated for the building and use of safe and reliable equipment. However, this expertise must be desseminated to all scientists, administrators and manufacturers involved with electric fishing.
