(39) Reducing Release Mortality in Recreational Fisheries through Educational Programs in Florida

Concurrent Session: B5:  Wildlife & Fisheries

Increased recreational angling pressure on near-shore and pelagic fish species has prompted more stringent state and federal fishing regulations pertaining to size limits, bag limits, and closed seasons.  As a result, more undersized fish caught by recreational anglers are being released. Although catch and release angling has proven to be a valuable conservation tool, the effectiveness of management is diminished if fish do not survive after being released. Factors such as hooking location and physiological stress associated with handling contribute to a fish’s survivability following release. Under-sized reef fishes often exhibit distress due to barometric pressure differences when brought up from depths greater than sixty feet and subsequently released. Expanded swim bladder gases can prevent a released fish from returning to depth. 

Fisheries managers recognize the importance of reducing release mortality in order to meet management goals. The National Marine Fisheries Service recently passed Reef Fish Amendment 27/14, which will take effect starting in June 2008. The amendment will require the use of venting tools, de-hooking devices, and non-stainless steel circle hooks for all reef fish fishing sectors in federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico, thereby affecting three million recreational anglers. Florida’s agency responsible for managing its marine fisheries, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, has also adopted these changes for state waters.  The need for proper education and training on the use of these tools will be critical to the successful implementation of these rule changes.

This presentation will describe Florida Sea Grant’s efforts to implement a statewide sustainable fisheries education program that promotes catch-and-release techniques that lead to the reduction of fish mortality and supports the goals of the newly implemented Reef Amendment 27/14.

Bryan Fluech
Florida Sea Grant/University of Florida Extension Service
300 Tower Rd, Naples, FL 34113, USA
PHONE: (239) 417-6310 x225
FAX: (239) 417-6315
EMAIL: fluech@ufl.edu