Catch-and-release science and its application to conservation and management of recreational fisheries |
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Authors: | S. J. COOKE H. L. SCHRAMM |
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Affiliation: | Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, CanadaUS Geological Survey, Mississippi Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Mississippi State University, MS, USA |
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Abstract: | Abstract Catch-and-release angling is a well-established practice in recreational angler behaviour and fisheries management. Accompanying this is a growing body of catch-and-release research that can be applied to reduce injury, mortality and sublethal alterations in behaviour and physiology. Here, the status of catch-and-release research from a symposium on the topic is summarised. Several general themes emerged including the need to: (1) better connect sublethal assessments to population-level processes; (2) enhance understanding of the variation in fish, fishing practices and gear and their role in catch and release; (3) better understand animal welfare issues related to catch and release; (4) increase the exchange of information on fishing-induced stress, injury and mortality between the recreational and commercial fishing sectors; and (5) improve procedures for measuring and understanding the effect of catch-and-release angling. Through design of better catch-and-release studies, strategies could be developed to further minimise stress, injury and mortality arising from catch-and-release angling. These strategies, when integrated with other fish population and fishery characteristics, can be used by anglers and managers to sustain or enhance recreational fishing resources. |
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Keywords: | fisheries management fishing mortality hooking mortality recreational angling sublethal stress |
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