Aquatic Animals

Carp Fishing and Catch-and-Release Welfare

Carp fishing is extremely popular in the UK, and evidence-based handling practices significantly affect the welfare of caught and released fish.

Key Facts

The UK has over 1 million carp anglers and an industry worth hundreds of millions
Carp can live for over 50 years, making individual fish known to multiple generations of anglers
Air exposure during photography is a leading cause of post-release mortality
Unhooking mats, carp slings, and safe landing nets significantly reduce injury
Glycogen depletion from fighting reduces immune function for days after release

Welfare Considerations

Carp caught by angling experience significant physiological stress from exertion, handling, and air exposure. Research shows that prolonged air exposure causes lasting gill damage and post-release immune suppression. Recovery time in nets before release significantly improves outcomes. Many carp anglers are highly welfare-conscious, but poor handling practices by inexperienced anglers cause unnecessary suffering in fish that may live for decades.

What You Can Do

Always use an unhooking mat and minimise air exposure time
Return fish to the water promptly and allow full recovery before release
Use barbless or micro-barb hooks to reduce injury
Keep fish in a carp sling in the water while photography is arranged
Learn the signs of exhaustion and provide extended recovery time if needed