Measurements of resistance and reactance in fish with the use of bioelectrical impedance analysis: sources of error

Successful application of promising new technologies is predicated on understanding and controlling sources of errors. The need to identify sources of error with the development of new fisheries technologies is documented in genetic studies (Blanca et al., 2009), in mark and recapture studies (Curtis, 2006), in the tracking of vessels with global position systems (GPS) (Palmer, 2008) and in measuring water clarity with beam transmissometers (Larson et al., 2007). To identify sources of errors for new technologies, measurements are often compared with those from established technologies (Larson et al., 2007), simulated theoretical ones (Palmer, 2008), or known measurements (Curtis, 2006). Regardless of the process, the desired end result is to identify and reduce sources of error to increase the accuracy of measurements, thereby enhancing technology to provide accurate and reliable results within the fields of fisheries research and management. Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) has the potential for wide application in fisheries as a tool to quickly and accurately perform a number of physiologically important field measurements. The BIA method is capable of estimating proximate composition, fish condition, and energy content in fish quickly, cheaply, Measurements of resistance and reactance in fish with the use of bioelectrical impedance analysis: sources of error