![]() We’re all guilty. Maybe you’ve just caught a huge fish, are fishing a new spot and catching a cool new species, or perhaps your son or daughter just caught the first fish of their life. Regardless the occasion, what’s one of the first things a lot of us do? We reach into our wader pockets and grab our phones to document the occasion with a few well-staged photos and share them to Facebook, Twitter, etc. It seems innocent enough. Afterall, you probably used the best barbless tackle, took all the proper handling precautions, and snapped the photo as fast as possible. And, you watched as the fish swam off. No harm done, right? Actually, you might be surprised to learn that a recent study found that up to a 1/3 of all fish photographed by anglers died within the next day. I personally found that number a little startling but, let’s take a deep breath before we jump to conclusions. We have to recognize that the mortality rate is obviously going to depend a lot on angling method, photography method, time of year, etc. So, let me set the stage a little. The researchers were targeting a lake-dwelling population of bull trout, where water temperatures were about 56°F. So, not overly warm, and surely not as thermally stressful as a lot of trout streams we fish in summer. Tackle included barbless hooks, and fish were landed as soon as possible. In other words, the angling conditions were basically ideal. On one day all fish that were caught and were of “memorable” size were photographed twice, measured for length, and then photographed twice again (more on what I mean by “memorable” below). This behavior sounds a bit bizarre, but other studies have shown it’s typical angler behavior after catching a big fish- they call their buddy over to snap a photo, measure the fish’s length, and then usually take photos of the fish being held by their fishing partner. All in all, the time from the fish being caught to released was less than two minutes. Two minutes sounds like a long time but, again, studies have shown that it’s generally about the length of time most people hold a fish before its released, and I guarantee you the clock ticks a little faster with your adrenaline rushing. And, if you really want to argue, other studies have shown negative effects of air exposure after only 10 seconds. Good luck fumbling to get your $800 phone in the middle of the stream in less than 10 seconds. So, that was day one. On day two the researchers did the same procedure. Only this time any memorable-sized fish were immediately released. Importantly, in both instances fish were released into a holding pen. Then, 24 hours later, the number of dead fish in each pen was counted. The result? In the group of photographed fish 10 of 30 (33%) died. In the fish that were immediately released, 3 of 20 (15%) died. What this tells us is that, even for the most experienced anglers working in some of the best fishing conditions, there is mortality associated with catch-and-release fishing. This is important because we assume that catch-and-release protects a fishery, and it does to a large extent. But, there is a category of mortality, known as cryptic mortality, that is difficult to account for and includes things like death from injury, illegal harvest, and prolonged handling. While mortality from harvest and injury is near 100%, it’s not a common outcome for most fish. However, many fish experience prolonged air exposure and, though mortality from air exposure is not 100%, it adds up to eventually account for a significant proportion of deaths in a fishery. And, access to more portable cameras (i.e., smartphones) and increased social medial influence may increase the likelihood that fish are exposed to air for longer durations. Of course, we have to consider these numbers with a bit of caution. Fish weren’t released back into the lake, but rather into confined pens. This could have increased stress, and thus artificially increased mortality rates. But, the researchers noted that most deaths occurred almost immediately upon release. And, the pens had pretty nice accommodations. If anything the physiological responses to prolonged air exposure (reduced swimming ability, increased thermal stress, etc.) may actually have less effect for fish that are released into a protective pen, in which case the study may underestimate mortality associated with photography. In fact, after the study was over, the researchers released the fish back into the lake and found that two fish that were technically alive sat next to the pen for over four hours, appearing to be weak and near death. So, arguably, you could say that 40% of photographed fish died during this study. Another important point is that this study was conducted on a fairly remote lake, and so the fish had only been caught the one time. In reality, fish that survive one landing are likely to be repetitively caught in a catch-and-release fishery. Every time that fish is caught and handled there, the probability of it later dying is going to increase. And, potentially, the effect of previous handling could make a fish more susceptible to prolonged air exposure in a later catch. Now, I want to return to the fact that this study also focused only on memorable-sized fish. In fisheries science, “memorable” is a technical definition that means exactly what you would think- a fish that is large enough to be remembered. But, for the purposes of this study, memorable also means a fish that is larger than you would normally catch, and so the chances of dropping the fish or awkwardly handling it are higher. Subsequent review of the photographs showed that most fish were covered in mud, indicating they were either dropped in the process of taking the photo or there was increased struggle trying to land the fish. The focus on large fish may seem a bit biased but, think about it, do you bother taking a photo of many of the smaller fish you catch? Probably not. Plus, understanding delayed mortality of larger fish is potentially more important as the larger fish are likely those that will produce the most offspring, may have different movement behavior than smaller individuals, or may have unique genetic diversity. So, how do we possibly prevent photograph-induced mortality. Some states, such as Washington, have made it illegal to totally remove some species from the water if you are going to release it back into the stream/lake. So, basically, the only way to take a photograph with a salmon, steelhead, or bull trout in Washington is if you are also taking it home to fry. Is this a reasonable practice? Maybe, but it’s difficult to enforce. Ultimately the best way to decrease mortality from prolonged air exposure is by influencing individual angler conduct. In other words, we need to self-enforce best angling practices that minimize fish air exposure. This is particularly critical in summer, and in streams/rivers with flow, as these conditions are going to maximize post-release mortality. So, maybe think twice before you click the “Like” button on a picture of your friend standing on a boat or streamside with their prized catch. This post was inspired by recent research published by Brian Joubert and colleagues. I would encourage all to read the original manuscript found here.
48 Comments
Jimmy
3/5/2020 03:48:19 am
Very good point. In PA for Brookies I would love to see new regs now that pa fish and boat put the brookies on a searchable map. I would imagine catch and release only, barbless only, and a mandate to use a net and keep fish submerged in the net while getting the hook out would help decrease the mortality? You don’t even need to touch them if you just slide your hand down the fishing line to the hook grab and twist(with no barb). Also, One of the most beautiful pictures you can get is a top picture of a Brookie underwater in your net with the vermiculations in focus and bright orange, black and white fine tips in the shot.
Reply
Dave B.
3/23/2020 09:44:06 pm
Thanks again for another entertaining, interesting and most importantly informative article Shannon! Is there some way I could share this or at least post a link on some of the NJ fishing websites? Seeing all the 'hero shots' of guys holding wild browns and more importantly wild and often native brookies is a bit annoying. In many of them it's very clear that mis-handling is occurring, whether through lack of caring or simple lack of understanding.
Reply
Shannon
3/24/2020 06:02:17 am
Yes! Feel free to share far and wide. I think a lot of people just assume that if the fish swims away after they are done handling, then whatever they did was safe. That might be the case most of the time. But, when you're talking about conservation of a declining species, you have to think about how even rare or unlikely things can influence populations. Thanks for reading!
Reply
4/27/2020 07:05:34 am
I've paid close attention to this myself for a long time now. I've counted in seconds the amount of time I typically have a fish out of water for a photo. It's generally 1 to 3 "Mississippi's" in actual out of water time. I only use barbless flies, silicone net, they're typically already unhooked in the net, and I keep them in the net, in the water while I pull my phone out of my wader pocket and have a quick button to the camera on my phone. I honestly believe that my personal incidental mortality rate is on the order of maybe 2 fish out of thousands over the last 10 years. I get that not everyone is so concerned with fish safety or health during handling though, and in general the stats are probably correct. I know I'm not the only one who is fanatical about proper fish handling though, so I wonder how that might impact statistics.
Reply
10/9/2022 12:18:19 am
Talk end financial although bad. Street suggest society feel ago worker. Security lot go.
Reply
1/16/2023 11:04:32 am
This is really a nice and informative, containing all information and also has a great impact on the new technology. Thanks for sharing it
Reply
2/4/2023 04:27:56 am
Superbly written article, if only all bloggers offered the same content as you, the internet would be a far better place..
Reply
2/19/2023 03:19:22 am
Positive site, where did u come up with the information on this posting?I have read a few of the articles on your website now, and I really like your style. Thanks a million and please keep up the effective work.
Reply
2/19/2023 08:58:39 am
Your website is really cool and this is a great inspiring article.
Reply
2/28/2023 09:00:05 am
What a great amount of knowledge regarding, best possible counseling at home for living a happy life and living it to the complete edge! I would surely thank them for this opportunity!
Reply
3/12/2023 12:24:57 pm
You know your projects stand out of the herd. There is something special about them. It seems to me all of them are really brilliant!
Reply
3/22/2023 08:54:03 am
I am very enjoyed for this blog. Its an informative topic. It help me very much to solve some problems. Its opportunity are so fantastic and working style so speedy.
Reply
5/19/2023 02:50:51 am
Great post I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this interesting and knowledgeable article.
Reply
5/20/2023 05:17:59 am
Thanks for your information, it was really very helpfull..
Reply
5/28/2023 01:27:06 am
I found your this post while searching for some related information on blog search...Its a good post..keep posting and update the information.
Reply
5/28/2023 05:30:13 am
thanks for this usefull article, waiting for this article like this again.
Reply
5/29/2023 02:29:30 pm
i read a lot of stuff and i found that the way of writing to clearifing that exactly want to say was very good so i am impressed and ilike to come again in future..
Reply
6/1/2023 01:55:58 am
Hey what a brilliant post I have come across and believe me I have been searching out for this similar kind of post for past a week and hardly came across this. Thank you very much and will look for more postings from you.
Reply
6/3/2023 01:18:21 am
Great post I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this interesting and knowledgeable article.
Reply
6/4/2023 10:19:44 am
Wow. Just one word for them Splendid!! I have seen many sites in my whole life but have never seen anything like this! It is amazingly beautiful! You should also consider them.
Reply
6/5/2023 03:47:08 am
i read a lot of stuff and i found that the way of writing to clearifing that exactly want to say was very good so i am impressed and ilike to come again in future..
Reply
6/12/2023 04:43:23 am
Got the best results for me which I was looking for almost a decade and believe me I am not disappointed a bit! Great Work! Five Stars! Recommended to everyone!
Reply
7/1/2023 12:27:58 am
Wow what a Great Information about World Day its very nice informative post. thanks for the post.
Reply
7/2/2023 01:27:19 pm
Hey what a brilliant post I have come across and believe me I have been searching out for this similar kind of post for past a week and hardly came across this. Thank you very much and will look for more postings from you.
Reply
7/15/2023 10:20:08 pm
Wonderful article, thanks for putting this together! This is obviously one great post. Thanks for the valuable information and insights you have so provided here.
Reply
Electronic Scale
7/20/2023 05:24:58 am
I high appreciate this post. It’s hard to find the good from the bad sometimes, but I think you’ve nailed it! would you mind updating your blog with more information?
Reply
7/23/2023 10:38:38 am
I am hoping the same best effort from you in the future as well. In fact your creative writing skills has inspired me.
Reply
7/25/2023 07:42:08 am
thanks for this usefull article, waiting for this article like this again.
Reply
7/28/2023 09:18:02 am
Thanks for your information, it was really very helpfull..
Reply
7/29/2023 09:31:54 pm
Your blog provided us with valuable information to work with. Each & every tips of your post are awesome. Thanks a lot for sharing. Keep blogging,
Reply
7/30/2023 03:06:50 am
Love to read it,Waiting For More new Update and I Already Read your Recent Post its Great Thanks.
Reply
8/6/2023 04:56:26 am
i read a lot of stuff and i found that the way of writing to clearifing that exactly want to say was very good so i am impressed and ilike to come again in future..
Reply
8/7/2023 11:30:25 pm
I found your this post while searching for some related information on blog search...Its a good post..keep posting and update the information.
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorShannon White Archives
October 2018
Categories
All
|
The Troutlook
A brook trout Blog
Proudly powered by Weebly