Effects of catch and release practices on survival, physiology and metabolism in marine salmon

Pacific salmon face a gauntlet of fishing gear as they migrate from oceanic feeding grounds to freshwater spawning sites, and while millions of fish typically are harvested each year in BC, a large portion are released. Catch and release (C/R) is a management option that allows recreational fishing opportunities and the economic benefits it entails to local communities and the sport fishing industry. C/R can also lead to high levels of ‘latent’ mortality due to injuries and prolonged air exposure associated with capture and landing. We will capture marine adult coho salmon using a range of typical approaches (e.g. varying landing times, hook types, and landing net types), transport them to a lab for 14 day holding, and relate ultimate physiological condition and mortality to fishing approaches. Exhaustive exercise can also lead to latent mortality yet this has never been examined in marine fisheries. We will use boat- and land-based respirometry to also investigate the metabolic costs of typical C/R approaches to see if metabolic collapse is occurring and contributing to physiological state and mortality during the holding period. Results will be used to help determine best C/R practices for coho salmon.

Faculty Supervisor:

Scott Hinch

Student:

Partner:

Sport Fishing Institute of British Columbia

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Agriculture

University:

The University of British Columbia

Program: