Trends in regulatory and voluntary catch-and-release fishing

Regulations requiring the release of many fish species have increased dramatically. Fisheries management agencies have shifted from viewing harvest regulations as necessary evils to seeing them as popular mandates in the quest for high-quality fishing. Voluntary release of legally harvestable fish by anglers also seems to be increasing. This study documents trends in catch-and-release fishing including the increase in regulations for various fish species, the extent of voluntary release, reasons for increases in catch-and-release fishing, and agency promotion of catch and release. A survey of state agencies showed that during the last decade, catch-and-release regulations for trout (Salmonidae) have increased in 88% of the responding states, and for black bass Micropterus spp. in 86% of those states. Sixty-seven percent of states reported increases in regulations for walleye and sauger Stizostedion spp., 52% for Mor-one spp.; 49% for crappies Pomoxis spp.; 48% for esocids Esox spp.; 39% for salmon; 19% for catfish (Ictaluridae); and 17% for sunfish Lepomis spp. Increases in voluntary release among states ranged from 95% for black bass ro 16% for catfish and were similar in scope to increases in regulations. Regulations for catch and release increased greatly in some states, but voluntary release increased by smaller percentages. State agencies reported a wide array of biological and sociological reasons for increases in regulatory and voluntary catch and release. Despite the attention to regulations by agencies and great interest in this type of management by anglers, the published literature contains a paucity of case histories or sociological reports on the topic. It seems clear that the role of regulations in managing fish populations and providing recreation for the public will expand. Implementing regulations that will maintain ecosystem integrity successfully and meet society's needs will require greater communication among fisheries managers and between managers and the public about ecological principles and management strategies.