Catch and release for fish survival seminar topic

Bryan Fluech Florida Sea Grant Extension Agent The bulging eye of this red grouper is an indication the fish's swim bladder has ruptured. The Challenges of Increasing Survival Rates of Released Fish Caught in Deep Water is the topic for the ongoing 2012 Scientific Angler Series at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday at Rookery Bay Reserve.

Submitted by Florida Sea Grant A fishermen is venting a red snapper. Notice the stomach protruding out of the mouth. The Challenges of Increasing Survival Rates of Released Fish Caught in Deep Water is the topic for the ongoing 2012 Scientific Angler Series at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday at Rookery Bay Reserve.

Ever catch and release a grouper in deep water only to see it float helplessly away?

How can anglers increase the survival rates of fish caught in this condition? Want to know more?

I’m pleased to announce part two of the 2012 Scientific Angler Seminar Series, which will take place at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday at Rookery Bay Reserve.

John Stevely, with Florida Sea Grant, will discuss the challenges associated with increasing the survival rates of released fish caught in deep waters. Specifically, he will address the affects of barotrauma (aka rupturing of a fish’s swim bladder) on fish and the various tools and methods to safely release fish in this condition and the fishing regulations associated with these practices.

The program is at Rookery Bay’s Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Road. The program is free, but please RSVP with me for planning purposes at Fluech@ufl.edu, or call 239-417-6310, ext. 204. Enter the chance to win door prizes, and light refreshments will be served thanks to support from the Marco Island Sportfishing Club.

To view the entire schedule and get directions to Rookery Bay visit:

http://collierseagrant.blogspot.com/2011/11/2012-scientific-angler-seminar-series.html.