Technology Science - Tuna catch and release could expand: study
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The study could allow for an expansion of the catch-and-release tuna fishery. (Joey Gauthier) A new study of the catch-and-release tuna fishery shows far fewer fish die after release than was previously believed.
The study could open the door to an expansion of the sport fishing industry on P.E.I.
The federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans has provided licences on the assumption that 11 per cent of tuna die after release. Fishermen argued this was too high, so they helped fund a study. Last summer 59 fish were tagged after capture off P.E.I. shores with technology that reports on their activity to a satellite.
Biologist Mike Stokesbury, who led the research, told CBC News Monday only two died.
"Anything below 10 per cent is thought of as pretty good," said Stokesbury.
"So 3.4 [per cent] is really good."
Joey Gauthier, head of the P.E.I. Tuna Charter Boat Association, said he knows more people who'd like to join the dozen boats currently offering a catch-and-release fishery. If DFO agrees with the study's findings, that could allow more licences.
"It'll just stretch it out," said Gauthier.
The catch and release fishery can be a big money maker for those involved. Last year Gauthier made almost nine times more from sports charters than fishing tuna commercially.
And this study suggests with catch and release the fish are still there for another season.
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