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  • Unexpectedly high catch-and-release rates in European marine recreational fisheries: implications for science and management
    Publication . Ferter, Keno; Weltersbach, Marc Simon; Strehlow, Harry Vincent; Vølstad, Jon Helge; Alós, Josep; Arlinghaus, Robert; Armstrong, Mike; Dorow, Malte; de Graaf, Martin; van der Hammen, Tessa; Hyder, Kieran; Levrel, Harold; Paulrud, Anton; Radtke, Krzysztof; Rocklin, Delphine; Sparrevohn, Claus Reedtz; Veiga, Pedro
    While catch-and-release (C&R) is a well-known practice in several European freshwater recreational fisheries, studies on the magnitude and impact of this practice in Europeanmarine recreational fisheries are limited. To provide an overview of the practice andmagnitude of C&R among marine recreational anglers in Europe, the existing knowledge of C&R and its potential associated release mortality was collected andsummarized. The present study revealed that in several European countries over half of the total recreational catch is released by marine anglers. High release proportions of > 60% were found for Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua), European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax), pollack (Pollachius pollachius), and sea trout (Salmo trutta) in at least one of the studied European countries. In the case of the German recreational Baltic Sea cod fishery, release proportions varied considerably between years, presumably tracking a strong year class ofundersized fish. Reasons for release varied between countries and species, and included legal restrictions (e.g. minimumlanding sizes and daily bag limits) and voluntary C&R. Considering the magnitude of C&R practice among European marine recreational anglers, post-release mortalities of released fish may need to be accounted for in estimated fishingmortalities.However, as the survival rates of Europeanmarine species aremostly unknown, there is a need to conduct post-release survival studies and to identify factors affecting post-release survival. Such studies could also assist in developing species-specific, best-practice guidelines to minimize the impacts of C&R on released marine fish in Europe.
  • Insights into conservation success: analysing shore angling before implementing a marine protected area
    Publication . Jacinto, Gonçalo; Veiga, Pedro; Monteiro, Pedro; Erzini, Karim; Gonçalves, Jorge Manuel Santos; Horta e Costa, Barbara; Pontes, João; Guerreiro da Costa Guerreiro, Pedro Miguel; Rangel, Mafalda; Nuñez Velazquez, Samira; Pilar Fonseca, Tereza
    In January 2024, the "Natural Marine Park of the Algarve Reef - Pedra do Valado" (NMPAR-PV; southern Portugal), a community-based Marine Protected Area (MPA) was formally classified, setting the scene for a new paradigm for co-creating Portuguese MPAs. While complying with the best practices for MPA establishment, this area also contributes to national and international conservation targets. Measuring the success of MPAs relies on the availability of the best scientific information, including baseline data on biodiversity, habitat and human activities characterization. Marine recreational fishing is a significantly important human activity within this recently designated MPA. Hence, the systematic collection of quantitative data on this activity is critical for determining its impacts and ensuring the preservation and protection of fisheries resource. This study aims to collect and analyze socioeconomic and ecological data on shore angling fisheries at NMPAR-PV, implementing surveys and instantaneous counting. Data from 325 questionnaires and 27 counting surveys conducted between February 2022 and February 2023 highlighted the importance of shore angling. The activity is primarily conducted by local Portuguese men, over 50, employed and with low formal education. Most recreational fishers supported the MPA's implementation, suggesting community care for conservation efforts. The annual fishing effort was estimated at 52 198 +/- 6 631 angling hours, with peaks in Autumn. Annual catches, dominated by Scombridae and Sparidae species, were estimated at 10.41 +/- 1.96 tonnes of fish. This study provides valuable insights into the evolution of recreational fishing activity within the MPA, addressing important information to assess its effectiveness.