Sometimes you get what you pay for. 2K sounds a little high to me, but what do you get for it?
In my opinion, every electrofishing survey should include a management plan that details what was done, the results, and what it means. It should also include a plan of action for at least a year.
In addition to all of the standard management indices (e.g. PSD, Wr) I think it should also include growth rates.
A few management professionals come and electrofish the pond, tell the owner what the results are, and get their check. Total elapsed time = 2 hours. For this kind of survey I would pay no more than $400 for your 8 acre lake.
Most management professionals provide some sort of management plan, and they vary a lot in quality. I would expect to pay a minimum of $800 for your 8 acre lake, and probably more.
There are a few management professionals that have a proven track record of providing quality fishing and have the references to prove it. They may also have a staff of one or more assistant biologists. I would expect to pay at least $1500 to have your lake surveyed by an individual or company like that.
Then there are those management professionals that have a reputation that crosses state boundaries and are almost universally respected by their peers. They usually have a company with biologists on staff that handle most of the daily field work. If your quote was from someone like this, than it is probably not out of line. I've heard of electrofishing surveys that cost a lot more than that.
Most of the work is drafting the management plan. Also, don't forget that the equipment is also very specialized. This all enters into the cost, but from my observations, reputation is the most important determinant.
