Reduction of Postrelease Mortality from Barotrauma in Gulf of Mexico Reef Fish Recreational Fisheries
Implementing Organization
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Overview
DWH Project Funding
$30,011,000
Known Leveraged Funding
$0
Funding Organization
Natural Resource Damage Assessment Trustees (NRDA)
Funding Program
Natural Resource Damage Assessment NRDA
Details
Project Category
Environmental
Project Actions
Species Restoration
Targeted Resources
Fish/Fish Habitats
Project Description
Barotrauma occurs when fish are rapidly brought to the surface from deep water and gases in the fish’s tissues and organs expand and in some cases rupture. When fish suffering from barotrauma are released they can struggle to descend back into the water column to deeper depths, becoming easy prey to predators. Injuries due to barotrauma result in substantial mortality to reef fish in the Gulf of Mexico. This project will reduce mortality from barotrauma and restore reef fish populations by promoting the use of fish descender devices (FDDs) and other tools, targeting reef species such as red snapper, red grouper, vermilion snapper, and gag grouper. This project will focus on the development of best practices for FDDs through the distribution of FDDs to recreational anglers and providing information on their use. Surveys on attitude changes, use, and effectiveness of FDDs will be conducted to track project success. Supplying fishermen with the tools and knowledge to minimize barotrauma-related mortality will result in increased survival of fish released during recreational fishing activities.
Contact
James Reinhardt(301) 427-8615
James.reinhardt@noaa.gov
Project Website
None
For official trustee information regarding the Deepwater Horizon NRDA, including information regarding the NRDA process and the status of projects, see https://www.gulfspillrestoration.noaa.gov/