sPOrts FWC: Rule to improve survival of released fish

At its Feb 22 meeting, the Florida Fish Wildlife Conservation Commission approved rule to require the possession of a descending device or venting tool that is rigged and ready for use on board a vessel when harvesting or attempting to harvest, including catch and release, reef fish in state waters

The FWC reported that it also requires the use of a descending device or venting tool if a fish is exhibiting signs of barotrauma prior to release

The rule is designed to increase the sur vival of released reef fish, a top priority ma agement issue in the Gulf and south Atlantic As reef fish are reeled up from depth, they can suffer pressure-related injuries known as barotrauma These injuries include the stomach protruding out of the mouth, bulging eyes, bloated belly, distended intestines and inability to swim down independently If not treated correctly, barotrauma can be lethal to reef fish

Tools such as descending devices or venting tools can help released fish recover from the effects of barotrauma. Descending devices are weighted devices capable of releasing fish at a depth that is sufficient to recompress nded gas and help fish recover from the ects of barotrauma Venting tools are sharp, hollow instruments that allow expanded gas to escape from an over-expanded swim bladd e r L e a r n m o r e a b o u t b a r o t r a u m a a t

MyFWC com/Barotrauma

Barotrauma mitigation tool requirements have already been adopted in Gulf and Atlantic federal waters In the Gulf waters, fishers have the choice of possessing either a descending device or venting tool that is igged and ready for use In the Atlantic ters, fishers are required to have a descending device that is readily available for use

F i n d c u r r e n t r e e f f i s h g e a r r e q u i r e m e n t s a t

MyFWC com/ReefFishGear Anyone who plans to harvest or attempt to harvest, including catch and release, certain reef fish species in Gulf or Atlantic waters from a private recreational vessel (includes anglers over 65 years of age), must sign up for the free State Reef Fish Angler designation and renew it annually Learn more at M y F W C . c o m / S R F S a n d

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