Long-term trauma? Studying the effects of catch-and-release on Atlantic cod behavior using acoustic telemetry

No abstracts are to be cited without prior reference to the author.

A recent study on catch-and-release (C&R) behavior of marine angling tourists in Norway showed that large proportions of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) catches are released. To investigate the potentially negative consequences of C&R on cod in their natural environment, 80 cod were caught in fyke nets, fitted with acoustic tags and released. Nine individuals were subsequently recaptured and released at least once by experimental recreational angling using rod and line, following best release practice. All cod survived the release event, but three individuals showed short term behavioral alterations, e.g. reduced swimming activity or disruption of diel vertical migrations after the release event. To minimize the negative effects of C&R, fishery managers are encouraged to consider C&R practice in future management regulations, in conjunction with the development of best practice guidelines and angler education on proper fish handling.