Evaluating Fish Descending Tools

Florida Sea Grant extension agents are getting offshore anglers involved in the process of evaluating descending devices in Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic waters, to see if there are practical options that may help fishermen improve the survival of deep-water fish they release.

There have been promising results from scientific studies conducted on the U.S. West Coast that show survival of deep-water released fish can be improved if they are quickly returned to capture depth.

IMPORTANT: Fish descending is an option of last resort, used only when a deep-water fish cannot get back down on its own. Descending fish requires increased handling and time out of water, which are harmful to the fish.

We post these videos from authorized research trials that Florida Sea Grant has conducted in the Gulf of Mexico to show what happens, from an underwater point of view, when fish are rapidly descended. These are only preliminary results. Much more long-term and comprehensive research needs to be conducted.

The View From Below

Grouper Descended with a Modified Crate (1:41)

Watch on Florida Sea Grant's YouTube Channel ...

Grouper Descended with a Seaqualizer (:47)

Watch on Florida Sea Grant's YouTube Channel ...

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Bloated Rockfish is Recompressed, Swims Away

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Learn More About Descending and Venting

At this time, we must stress that Florida Sea Grant's descending trials are experimental, and more research will be needed. The hope is that eventually, fishery managers will be able to provide anglers with options on how best to get fish back down to the bottom to maximize their chances for survival. Improved survival will result in more sustainable fisheries that result in less restrictive regulations. More...

IMPORTANT: In the Gulf of Mexico, venting of fish that require assistance to return to the bottom is the only method allowed. Currently (April 2013), the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council is considering changing this regulation. Use of all types of venting or descending devices is currently permissible in the Atlantic.

NEW FACT SHEET -- What are Fish Descending Devices?

SLIDESHOW -- What are Fish Descending Devices?

Read More from Florida Sea Grant About Descending and Venting

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