‘How Trophy Fishing Can Have a Sustainable Future’
It was 1984, and a scorching tropical sun beat down on the deep blue waters of the Huon Gulf, just off the coast of Papua New Guinea. In the midst of tranquility, the piercing scream of a fishing reel shattered the calm as a four-meter-long blue marlin burst from the water, captivating the attention of all who witnessed the spectacle.
For an exhilarating hour, the massive fish displayed its formidable strength, surging, leaping, and gracefully tail walking. Amidst the intense struggle, the inevitable happened—the trace frayed, and the majestic creature slipped away. While the loss of the fish was disheartening, there was also a sense of relief that it had escaped. That encounter with the magnificent marlin served as a catalyst, igniting a lifelong passion for marine biology.
These moments of recreational fishing for the grandest species, often referred to as trophy fishing, hold a unique lure for anglers. They seek to establish new size records, either overall or by employing specific line strengths. The specimens pursued are awe-inspiring—a testament to the wonders of marine life. For instance, the largest marlin ever caught weighed over 700kg, akin to the weight of a small car.
In a groundbreaking study, Bryce Stewart, a senior research fellow at the Marine Biological Association, and James Boon, a PhD candidate in Marine Ecology at the University of Nottingham, scrutinized 80 years’ worth of trophy fishing world records. They delved into data documented by the International Game Fishing Association (IGFA), unraveling fascinating insights. Notably, the average weight of record-holding fish plummeted from a staggering 168kg in the 1950s to a mere 8kg in the 2010s.
Contrary to popular belief, this decline does not signify a shrinking of fish sizes. Instead, it suggests that anglers are now diversifying their targets, setting their sights on smaller species. However, this shift could potentially signify a worrisome decline in the populations of larger fish species.
Another striking trend observed was the noticeable expansion of trophy fishing on a global scale. While the United States traditionally dominated this domain, recent times have witnessed a surge in records from regions like Japan and New Zealand. While this proliferation presents social and economic opportunities for these new areas, concerns arise regarding heightened fishing pressure on fish populations that were historically less targeted.
The most profound observation made by Stewart and Boon was the sharp decline in new records for fish species listed as threatened with extinction by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. When comparing the last decade (2010-2018) to the 2000s, a staggering reduction of approximately 66% was discovered in records for these at-risk species. The implications of this trend remain yet to be fully comprehended—whether it signifies an increasing awareness of conservation issues or underscores the alarming reality of diminishing populations.
Undoubtedly, trophy fishing is a controversial practice. Critics argue that catching and killing the largest and most productive breeders in the ocean, particularly those that are threatened, is illogical. Nevertheless, it is crucial to recognize that world record fish acknowledged by the IGFA represent only a minuscule fraction of the total number of fish caught.
Of greater concern are the fishing competitions that offer substantial prizes for capturing the largest number of fish or sharks within a specified time frame. These contests often disregard sustainability and conservation efforts.
However, trophy fishing, along with sport fishing at large, is evolving to become more sustainable and even beneficial. In 2011, the IGFA introduced the all-tackle length category, which measures the length of the fish instead of its weight, allowing for its release without harm. The Shark Angling Club of Great Britain has set a precedent by releasing all sharks for decades, and the British Record Fish Committee recently decided to solely recognize length-based records for large sharks, requiring measurements to be taken while the fish remains in the water. Although releasing fish does not guarantee survival, it can be optimized through the use of appropriate gear and careful handling. Such practices should be deemed mandatory for all trophy anglers.
Anglers, driven by their passion, acquire a wealth of knowledge about the fish they pursue. Harnessing this expertise is vital in accurately estimating the extent of trophy fishing and enhancing overall knowledge of fish stocks. Collaborative initiatives such as Shark Hub UK and Project Pollack in the UK exemplify the partnership between anglers and scientists, actively collecting catch data, gathering samples, and tagging fish. This collaborative approach not only aids conservation efforts but also aligns with anglers’ interests in preserving healthy fish populations for the future. After all, recreational fisheries not only provide a livelihood but also contribute to the mental and physical well-being of those who partake in them.
Nearly four decades after that unforgettable encounter in Papua New Guinea, I marveled at vast schools of giant fish off the southern coast of England last summer. The Atlantic bluefin tuna, which had made an astonishing recovery in the region, showcased their resplendence. This recovery can be attributed to improved management practices and changing environmental conditions.
From this year onward, the UK government has authorized a catch and release-only recreational fishery for these treasured fish. With continued conscientious management, this decision promises thrilling angling experiences, while simultaneously offering social and economic benefits for years to come.
This article was republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article here.
