Challenges to Reducing Barotrauma Mortality in US

Fisheries Councils, State Agencies, Fisherman’s Groups and Regional and National Sea Grant Organizations all have been trying to develop effective ways to reduce mortality in released reef fish suffering from Barotruama. Sometimes the different agencies and regions have recommended very different practices and regulations, which in turn have created further confusion in the fishing community.  The different responses of reef fish species to barotrauma damage and mitigation strategies has resulted in disagreements within the science and management community. The conflicting research results also further complicates attempts to come up with comprehensive nationwide policies.  Recently the FishSmart Program sponsored a National Barotrauma Workshop to evaluate the current state of science. Gaps in knowledge were identified, particularly in the Gulf of Mexico and Southeast, as being an impediment to reducing barotrauma mortality in those regions. Experimental decompression devices in particular need to be developed and tested with fishermen input. Other mortality factors such as predation, interactions with marine mammals, and heat stress also need to be considered. Fishers’ involvement may also increase buy-in and insure the techniques and strategies are convenient, quick, and practical to use in everyday fishing situations practical and used by most fishers. An overview of the policies, strategies, research, regulations, and fishers actions on this issue across the US and collaborations and communications between the different agencies and organizations can also help us begin to build a more cohesive and effective policies, regulations and education efforts.