Recreational angling in the UK involves millions of fish each year. Understanding fish welfare science helps anglers minimise harm and practice more humane fishing.
The evidence that fish experience pain and distress has strengthened considerably in recent years. Fishing causes physiological stress responses including cortisol elevation, oxygen depletion, and tissue damage. While many anglers practice catch-and-release believing it is harmless, research shows that handling time, air exposure, and injury severity all affect survival rates. The welfare-conscious angler minimises handling time, keeps fish in water, uses appropriate tackle, and considers whether fishing certain species or in certain conditions is justified.