Wildlife

Wild Freshwater Fish Angling Welfare

Recreational angling practices significantly affect fish welfare, and evidence-based minimum standards for catch-and-release can reduce suffering.

Key Facts

Fish pain science strongly supports the capacity of teleost fish to experience suffering
Hooking injuries, air exposure and handling all cause physiological stress
Barbless hooks cause less damage and are easier to remove
Keeping fish in water during hook removal and minimising air exposure reduces harm
Landing nets and unhooking mats reduce physical injury during handling

Welfare Considerations

Catch-and-release angling can be done in ways that minimise welfare harm. Barbless hooks, minimal air exposure, wet hands for handling and quick return to water are evidence-based welfare improvements that most anglers can adopt without significant impact on the fishing experience. Promoting welfare-conscious angling norms is achievable through angling organisations.

What You Can Do

Use barbless hooks and minimise air exposure during catch-and-release
Learn and follow welfare-conscious handling practices from angling bodies
Support angling organisation adoption of fish welfare guidelines