ABSTRACT 



Laboratory and field experiments were conducted to evaluate the use of 

 sodium cyanide as a fish poison. At concentrations of 1 p. p.m. sodium cyanide 

 and at a variety of temperature and pH conditions, effective kills of a number 

 of different species of warm -water fishes were produced. The cost of the 

 sodium cyanide was approximately 68 cents an acre foot . Application required 

 little time and equipment . In small farm ponds the water was toxic for about 

 4 days. 



The most significant findings of the study relate to the removal of live 

 fishes during poisoning operations. After application of 1 p.p. m . sodium 

 cyanide to small farm ponds, fishes began to surface within 5 to 30 minutes. 

 Affected fishes removed and placed in fresh water completely revived within 5 

 to 30 minutes. The length of the removal period for centrachids was approx- 

 imately 1 hour. The survival of the salvaged fishes was excellent. Many 

 possible uses of sodium cyanide in fishery management are suggested. 



