Recreational Angler Attitudes and Perceptions Regarding the Use of Descending Devices in Southeast Reef Fish Fisheries

Abstract

Reducing discard mortality in recreational fisheries remains an important component of stock rebuilding for many reef fish species. Discard mortality for these species can be high due in part to barotrauma injury sustained during capture coupled with high catch rates, but recent advances in fish descending devices can mitigate some of these declines. Despite high survival rates with rapid recompression strategies, recreational angler opinions and perceived effectiveness of the devices are relatively unknown. This study surveyed the perceptions, opinions, and attitudes of 538 recreational anglers regarding the use of descending devices in the reef fish fisheries of the Gulf of Mexico and U.S. South Atlantic, with particular emphasis on Red Snapper Lutjanus campechanus. In total, 1,074 descending devices were distributed to marine recreational anglers from North Carolina to Texas. After using the device for an average of 8 months and 15 fishing trips, recipients completed a questionnaire assessing their perceptions on the efficacy of the device. While 72% of respondents had little to no knowledge of descending devices prior to the study, 70% indicated that they preferred this release method over venting after the study. Survey respondents released over 7,000 Red Snapper and 4,000 other reef fish species with their descending devices, and 76% were likely to continue employing the device on their vessel. Eighty‐nine percent of respondents believed descending Red Snapper would significantly reduce discard mortality in the recreational fishery. We discovered that recreational anglers perceive the devices to be highly useful in reducing discard mortality and are willing to employ them when releasing reef fish experiencing barotrauma. Other studies have demonstrated that these descending devices do reduce discard mortality of reef fishes, and this study indicates that recreational anglers are very willing to use them as a conservation tool.

Discard Mortality of Red Snapper Released with Descender Devices in the U.S. South Atlantic

“…It is clear that compliance with the requirement to carry a descender device does not necessarily translate to actual use. Education and outreach, including demonstrations and presentations detailing findings such as those of the present study, are crucial to increasing the use of descender devices (Crandall et al 2018;Curtis et al 2019;Runde 2019). Vecchio et al (2020) surveyed 801 boat parties on the east coast of Florida during recent recreational Red Snapper seasons and found that only 1.5% reported using descender devices, although venting is used more commonly (Scyphers et al 2013).…”

“…Vecchio et al (2020) surveyed 801 boat parties on the east coast of Florida during recent recreational Red Snapper seasons and found that only 1.5% reported using descender devices, although venting is used more commonly (Scyphers et al 2013). However, Curtis et al (2019) determined that once introduced to descender devices, 76% of anglers reported that they would continue using them. This information has been taken into account for the most recent stock assessment in the SEUSA (SEDAR 2021).…”

Understanding Recreational Angler Diversity and Its Potential Implications on Promoting Responsible Fishing Practices in a Multispecies Gulf of Maine Fishery

“…2015; Curtis et al. 2019). Additionally, we were unable to survey anglers from all Gulf of Maine states (i.e., NH) as well as nonlicensed anglers who can legally fish on for‐hire platforms, like charter boats and party boats.…”

“…2013; Curtis et al. 2019). Moreover, even if they are likely to voluntarily adopt such practices, anglers use a variety of channels (e.g., online and print media; word of mouth) to receive angling‐related information, which complicates effective outreach efforts (e.g., Nguyen et al.…”

Depredation of Demersal Reef Fishes Released with Descender Devices Is Uncommon off North Carolina, USA

“…As a result of this research, descender devices are required gear onboard any vessel fishing for or possessing reef species in the southeastern United States (SAFMC 2020). However, while anglers are generally receptive to incorporating descending into their normal fishing routines after appropriate outreach and education (Crandall et al 2018;Bellquist et al 2019;Curtis et al 2019;Runde 2019), usage rates remain low in the southeastern U.S. Atlantic (Vecchio et al 2020).…”