Catch and release

Catch and release is a practice within recreational fishing where after capture the fish is unhooked and returned live to the water. Originally adopted in the United Kingdom by coarse fishermen to preserve fish populations, it has since become a widely used technique to permit people to fish recreationally while ensuring sustainability in the face of growing human populations, mounting ecological pressure, increasingly effective fishing tackle and techniques, inadequate fishing regulations and enforcement, and habitat degradation.

Between 18 and 20% of fish released die from injuries and stress, although the rate varies by species. Among those that survive, their injuries may significantly reduce their ability to feed and grow. During tournaments, inadequate holding and weighing procedures may further increase mortality. With deep sea fishing in particular, fish are typically unable to adjust their physiology to the sudden pressure change. Scientific and philosophical debates over whether fish feel pain in a way similar to humans are unresolved. In the 21st century, there is a greater emphasis on developing techniques which increase the likelihood that released fish will survive, such as using barbless hooks. Catch and release is banned in Switzerland in Germany, while Canada requires barbless hooks in some cases.