UBC study: changing catch-and-release fishing practices can boost salmon survival

[searun]

I think there is still much more to be learned through the next phase of planned research. For example, next research planned is to take the best practices and put them to the test to really identify the best of the best. That will help us assess the true benefit of all these best practices. Don't lose sight of the UBC study design which was to intentionally test various practices (some were bad) to determine what is good and bad. Beyond testing best practices, there is also further ongoing research to see what can be learned from assessing the aerobic stressors fish encounter with various tackle - including the response to use of ln-line flashers.

Reviewing the current study design, there is almost no real difference in long-term holding mortality rates between in-line and dummy flashers - see the attached pic. So I think we really need to step back and review all the available science in totality once it is complete, to identify those best practices that deliver the most benefit in reducing FRIM rather than tossing every idea at the problem. I'm not suggesting the concept of in-line flashers isn't worthy of consideration - rather, the initial results haven't yet convinced me this best practice floats to the surface as one we really need to get fired up about implementing. I see way more early evidence in the merits of banning use of landing nets on all fish that are being released - and that includes the practice of using the landing net to hold a fish so you can measure it for a slot limit.

Coincidentally, I had some time on my hands this morning so reviewed a number of fishing shows to look at fish they netted and released.

Almost without exception every fish had fin damage from being netted. I'm not attempting to lay blame on people, just pointing out that we now have good science that clearly demonstrates that certain practices we all thought were really good, are in fact, not so good. Banning landing nets for released fish is an easy change to implement, and big potential benefit for sustainability. I think our approach should be to implement the low hanging fruit first, and assess the others later as we gain more scientific evidence.

 

[salmonkiller01]

My rant about this is the ENGO will use this against us to shut down more fishing and not look at the issues as a whole.

 

[Derby]

Nothing has changed or will ever change regarding the ENGO'S... they will always pull out what's best for there narritive and always will sadly.

 

[PEETZcanada]

In many areas that I have had the opportunity to angle in during slot size restrictions, it has been my experience that the amount of fish we had cycled through to find the keepers that we could retain was sickenly, too big, too small...finding the middle fish was tough and damaging. No nets were used, we are gaffers.

Oh well.

 

[fishinforever]

The guys netting a releasing 4 pound springs aren’t going to be able to hand and gaff a 25 pound wild safely

 

[Whole in the Water]

From the Public Fishery Alliance FB page on this study and topic: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19gYoSFsQR/

 

[Sharphooks]

The guys netting a releasing 4 pound springs aren’t going to be able to hand and gaff a 25 pound wild safely

Minimum 30 lb test leader and a glove on one hand…really helps to NOT have an in line flasher ….just you and the fish…easy peasey

 

[searun]

I agree, doing a gaff release is very simple and once you learn the skill its amazingly fast. The real trick to making it easy is keep the boat moving forward, slide the gaff down the leader while holding the flasher down low towards the water line. Keep the fish in the water (try not to lift the head up out of the water. Once the fish is swimming beside the boat, slide the gaff down the leader and get the bend of the gaff into the hook gap, and pull backwards while at same time holding the leader (and your lure) forward toward the bow of the boat. The back pressure on the hook usually unhooks your lure easily and the fish can swim away without any handling or touching. No net required.

 

[cohochinook]

This is from the Public fFshery Alliance and was shared to Media outlets:

For Immediate Release: UBC Study Shows Marine Sport Fishery On Leading Edge Of Salmon Recovery - Public Fishery Alliance

Executive Summary UBC, with the assistance of the marine sport fishing sector and supported by the B.C Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund and Pacific Salmon Foundation (PSF) conducted a unique five year research project on B.C.’s west coast that provided initial insights on how this sector...

publicfisheryalliance.ca

 

[cohochinook]

I did get to watch the authors give a report to the SFAB. Lots of positives to take out of this study on how to improve our catcher release methods. My only disappointment was how it was received by the media. Did make a comment to the authors about presenting it in a fashion that it didn't point the finger to catch and release fishing. Rather it show that there could be improvements in release methods. Hopefully as further studies take place this will be taken into account. Certainly wasn't the intent of the authors to have the media attack catch and release fishing.

Lastly, I think banning flashers would be definitely a bad thing for fishing success. Especially using hoochies!

 

[cohochinook]

You called it HG:

Challenging our assumptions about catch and release | Watershed Watch Salmon Society

New research on catch and release recreational fisheries makes it clear that fewer encounters between fish and anglers in the marine environment will be better for wild salmon.

watershedwatch.ca

I hope everybody will realize that these guys are becoming the true enemy of sport fishing. Used to be a good organization. Just gone down the toilet in my opinion! It's a shame cuz they did do some good work previously. Selling their souls!

 

[cohochinook]

There are no formal programs that I am aware of to hold guides accountable to practice the best practices identified. I'm on the water over 100 days a season and have seen very good practices, as well as very poor practices. Any adoption of best practices initially will be purely voluntary accomplished through education and awareness. Regulatory amendments take a very long time no matter how urgently we might wish to change them. So for now education and awareness are our best tools to affect positive change.

Early days, and the only effort I'm aware of is the SFAB Regulations Working Group is now undertaking effort to look for potential amendments to the regulations. The effort is focused on designing a schedule of gear types and descriptions that could be attached to the BC Sport Fishing Regulations. Once complete, the schedule and definitions will assist by providing fishery managers with the tools necessary to implement some regulations that will support the best practices.

Anyone who has been engaged in amending regulations will know this is a very long process to accomplish any changes to regulations.

I certainly hope that DFO gives us credit for any adjustments in measures on catch numbers by making these changes. They also don't seem to give us much credit for the reduction in our impacts that we've had. When you look at the mass closures that are in Vancouver from April 1 till almost September for Chinook.

 

[searun]

I certainly hope that DFO gives us credit for any adjustments in measures on catch numbers by making these changes. They also don't seem to give us much credit for the reduction in our impacts that we've had. When you look at the mass closures that are in Vancouver from April 1 till almost September for Chinook.

I believe the Department is very well aware of the recreational communities (SFI and SFAB) views on the importance of applying new science-based best practices to reduce release mortalities. I do however, think we need to separate release mortality from the current closures that have been in place in the Vancouver area. Those are more directly related to providing a protection for Fraser 5(2) chinook as they migrate along their usual migratory corridors. The good news is there has been improvement in these stocks, and with more careful management and other work slowly coming on board (a new hatchery and habitat work), that will also help achieve recovery. Any future opportunity will come from achieving a recovery and in addition determining how we can shape fisheries so that these stocks of concern can pass through our fisheries effectively.

Applying the fish handling and release best practices will be one more tool the recreational community can implement to reduce incidental mortalities to an acceptably low level. A lot rides on our ability as a community to do a stellar job with education and awareness such that these best practices are firmly adopted and practiced by the vast majority of recreational anglers.

 

[cohochinook]

I believe the Department is very well aware of the recreational communities (SFI and SFAB) views on the importance of applying new science-based best practices to reduce release mortalities. I do however, think we need to separate release mortality from the current closures that have been in place in the Vancouver area. Those are more directly related to providing a protection for Fraser 5(2) chinook as they migrate along their usual migratory corridors. The good news is there has been improvement in these stocks, and with more careful management and other work slowly coming on board (a new hatchery and habitat work), that will also help achieve recovery. Any future opportunity will come from achieving a recovery and in addition determining how we can shape fisheries so that these stocks of concern can pass through our fisheries effectively.

Applying the fish handling and release best practices will be one more tool the recreational community can implement to reduce incidental mortalities to an acceptably low level. A lot rides on our ability as a community to do a stellar job with education and awareness such that these best practices are firmly adopted and practiced by the vast majority of recreational anglers.

How does the department apply FIRM to our total catch or impact? Is it something they consider?

The closures in the largest angling area of the province in Vancouver definitely mean there's a lower total catch in my opinion. Don't know if the department accounts for this or not? I do realize the purpose of these closures is to protect stocks of concern.

 

[wildmanyeah]

Everyone knows how this situation will unfold, ultimately resulting in increased regulations and a diminished share of resource. Furthermore, there will be attempts to reassure us by suggesting that without these changes, we would have faced even greater closures.

It's hard not have a pessimistic outlook, need a change in government

 

[searun]

How does the department apply FIRM to our total catch or impact? Is it something they consider?

The closures in the largest angling area of the province in Vancouver definitely mean there's a lower total catch in my opinion. Don't know if the department accounts for this or not? I do realize the purpose of these closures is to protect stocks of concern.

Currently use rate of 15% for Chinook.

 

[OldBlackDog]

This is political on every angle.
Note:

Salmon are a common property resource managed by the federal government on behalf of all Canadians to deliver food, social, cultural and economic benefits, both present and future.

Supporting Principles:


Pacific Salmon are a common property for the benefit of all Canadians, and the federal
government has constitutional responsibility to manage fair access to those salmon resources under the legislative authority of the Fisheries Act. Under the Act, the Fisheries Minister has legislative authority for the management and regulation of the fishery. This grants the Minister discretion and powers necessary to regulate access to the resource, to impose conditions of harvest, and to develop and enforce regulations

The present government does not have the will of the people and has not for years.
The bureaucrats are running the ship and that is so wrong.

This is all about a small percentage of fish. Where is the discussion about the FN and nets in the rivers and uncounted fish?

Note:

Amounts of salmon stocks attributed for incidental catch or bycatch are a reasonable and acceptable use of Salmon Resources under Canadian law. This approach:

• Upholds conservation priorities.

• Respects Indigenous fishing rights while avoiding exclusivity.

• Provides equitable access for non-Indigenous fishers.



Right, not supposed to discuss this and if you do you are treated as a leper , just look at Steelhead discussions.

Time to just stop all discussions regarding allocations etc. until a new government is in place and has the backing of the public.
Then let’s see where they and the New Fisheries Minister wish to go.

 

[onefish]

Then let’s see where they and the New Fisheries Minister wish to go.

Unfortunately the bureaucrats and running the ship will likely continue.

 

[OldBlackDog]

Unfortunately the bureaucrats and running the ship will likely continue.

That occurs if the public lets it happen.
Time for new government and new bureaucrats.

 

[Bryan Allen]

So I dont disagree ....but HOW ? The Ottawa bureaucrats are firmly seated . They arn,t going anywhere soon. And to replace them , we have to be careful that the replacements at least have a clue about Canada fisheries. And this statement ( given where it came from) does not make me feel warm and fuzzy, https://cpaws.org/election-101-get-to-know-party-platforms-on-conservation/