US mandates fish descenders to improve snapper catch-and-release survival rates
As Australia talks about introducing descending devices for deep-water fishing, the US takes actionAll commercial and recreational fishers chasing snapper in the south-east corner of the US will soon be required by law to have a descending device at hand to return their catch to the water.
The new rule for the South Atlantic states – including Florida – will go a long way to preventing fish deaths as a result of barotrauma – a build-up of gas as deep-water fish are brought to the surface that prevents them from swimming back down.
Related content:
“If an angler releases the fish (sometimes necessary due to size, season or bag limit restrictions) and the fish does not survive, this is a dead discard or wasted fish,” the US-based National Marine Manufacturers Association said in a statement backing the new requirement.
A descending device is a weighted hook, lip clamp, or box that holds the fish while it is lowered to a sufficient depth where water pressure equals that of the gas inside the fish.
The descending device allows the fish to be released with a much higher likelihood of survival.
In its most simple form, a descending device can be a weighted inverted crate that is dropped overboard
“The decision requiring descending devices for a key sportfish population is a major victory for the conservation community, which has long advocated for this exact policy,” NMMA senior government and legal affairs vice-president Nicole Vasilaros said.
“Ensuring healthy and robust fish stocks has and always will be a top priority of the recreational boating and fishing community and we look forward to working with NOAA Fisheries to implement this critical conservation measure.”
Descending devices are used in Australia, but are not compulsory.
However, talks are taking place to potentially introduce them in areas where snapper stocks are under pressure, such as in South Australia.
The state introduced a closed season as well as a tagging system for snapper in response to declining stocks of the fish.
South Australia is also reviewing whether it should introduce fishing licences to help it fund future fishing management needs.
The state plans to launch a national recreational fishing survey later this year to explore options.
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
