47 million more chances at survival

Fishers in NSW are being encouraged to follow new guidelines which will help increase the survival rate of fish which are caught and then released.

In an Australian first, the guidelines have been developed after years of research by internationally renowned scientists at the Department of Primary Industries (DPI).

The project, worth almost $1 million, is jointly funded by NSW DPI and the Recreational Fishing Trust – one of two independent bodies which invest funds from the fishing fee into projects to improve recreational fishing.

In NSW alone there are more than one million recreational anglers, many of them practise catch and release.

Because of bag limits and size limits it’s estimated that around 47 million fish are released annually throughout Australia, the ensured survival of these fish can be maximised by subtle changes to fishing practices.

The catch-and-release research involved fish being caught by recreational fishers and then placed into holding sea cages or tanks. This vital research will help improve the survival chances of fish and therefore ensure fish numbers are enhanced.

There are six main changes that will help ensure survival, cut the line, remove mouth hooks, minimise air exposure, use knotless landing nets, maintain water quality and use the right rig.

Just by cutting the line survival of bream and mulloway increased from 12 to more than 85 per cent, that’s a fantastic result.

Water quality is also important. The research found that holding silver trevally in onboard live-wells reduced their survival from 98 per cent to 63 per cent.

A poster has been produced which outlines these changes and provides fishers with detailed explanations and best handling practices, it will be widely distributed throughout NSW and is available to download.

http://www.fisheries.nsw.gov.au/recreational/saltwater/saltwater/catch-and-release_fishing

DPI’s Fisheries Conservation Unit plays a vital role in examining some of the key issues facing the state’s fishing resources and developing new and innovative technologies which help ensure the sustainability of fishing in NSW.

Download the Catch and Release Poster (PDF, 970kb)

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