Mahseer on the move: Exploring the post-release behaviour and movement of mahseer (Tor spp.) after catch-and-release angling using biotelemetry

Recreational fishing is a popular activity worldwide that contributes an estimated $190B USD in expenditures to the global economy each year. Contrasting the economic benefits of the activity is an array of ecological and biological impacts. Catch-and-release fishing, the act of returning a fish to water (presumably unharmed) after landing, has become an increasingly popular strategy to mitigate these impacts. Yet, different species respond differently to catch-and-release practices. Our proposed study intends to evaluate the impacts of catch-and-release fishing on the Deccan mahseer, an endangered species from southern India that is highly popular with recreational anglers. Using biotelemetry to track the angled fish, we will learn about the role catch-and-release plays in their survival, movements and habitat use. As this project represents the first effort to describe mahseer habitat use and movements, we expect that the results of this study will provide managers and decision-makers with much-needed baseline information that will aid them in making informed decisions for managing fisheries and other activities that impact these species and in developing sound conservation strategies for the species.

Faculty Supervisor:

Steven Cooke

Student:

Partner:

Mahatma Ghandi University (St. Albert's College, Kochi)

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Education

University:

Carleton University

Program: