Welfare Science

Fish Welfare in Angling

Recreational angling involves welfare implications for fish caught and released, with evidence on best practices for minimising harm during catch-and-release fishing.

Key Facts

Catch-and-release fishing can cause injury, exhaustion, and elevated cortisol in fish
Barbless hooks significantly reduce injury during hook removal
Keeping fish in water during hook removal dramatically improves survival rates
Deep-hooking causes more serious injury than lip-hooking requiring different management
Cold water angling in winter provides better post-release survival than warm summer conditions

Welfare Considerations

Angling welfare requires adoption of best practice catch-and-release techniques including barbless hooks, minimal handling, and keeping fish in water. Fish welfare science increasingly informs angling practice. Anglers who adopt welfare-conscious practices demonstrate leadership within their community.

What You Can Do

Use barbless hooks and keep fish in water during hook removal
Handle fish with wet hands for minimum time before release
Engage with the growing evidence on fish welfare in angling practice