Research Document 1998/99

To what extent does the catch and release contribute to mortality in Atlantic salmon?

By J.B. Dempson, D.G. Reddin, and M.F. O'Connell

Abstract

Information on the history of catch and release is briefly reviewed, highlighting the fact that it is not a new concept in recreational fisheries management. In Newfoundland, given the widespread concern for the health of the salmon resource, and the realization that there is now a defined limit to the introduction of new management measures to conserve salmon, fisheries managers are seeking additional advice on the operational use of catch and release. This is particularly important given that the contribution of the recreational fishery to the total harvest of Atlantic salmon has increased steadily since 1992, and accounted for 70% of the total catch, in numbers of fish, in 1996. Most recent catch and release studies have focused on the physiological effects of exhaustive exercise on salmonids. Nevertheless, results from various studies are summarized, and second order polynomial regressions are fitted to data on catch and release survival at various water temperatures to infer the possible extent of mortality. Should these predictive equations have any merit, then managers can now decide the level of mortality they are willing to live with to allow catch and release fishing at certain temperatures. Proper handling of salmon in catch and release fishing is imperative; otherwise, temperature of the water becomes irrelevant and higher mortalities will occur regardless.

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