Behavioural adjustment of fish to temporal variation in fishing pressure affects catchability: an experiment with angled trout

Koeck, B. , Lovén Wallerius, M., Arlinghaus, R. and Johnsson, J. I. (2020) Behavioural adjustment of fish to temporal variation in fishing pressure affects catchability: an experiment with angled trout. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, 77(1), pp. 188-193. (doi: 10.1139/cjfas-2019-0064)

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Abstract

In passive fisheries, such as angling, the fishing success depends on the ultimate decision of a fish to ingest the bait, based on an individual’s internal state, previous experience and threat perception. Fish surviving capture by anglers are known to be less vulnerable, and catch rates usually quickly decline with increasing fishing effort. Previous theoretical models have thus suggested fishing closures as a means to recover responsiveness of fish to angling gear and maintain catch rates, yet empirical support remains limited. In a controlled replicated pond experiment, we evaluated the effects of temporal variation in fishing pressure on catch rates of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) by simulating short term fishing closures. These fishing closures increased catch rates and population-level catchability, by reducing threat perception at the population level and allowing released individuals to return to a vulnerable state. Our experimental results show that periodic fishing closures benefit catch-rates but at the risk of aggravating the likelihood of overharvesting.

Item Type:Articles
Additional Information:This study is part of the SalmoInvade project funded by the Biodiversa grant for research and innovation 2012-2013 from the European Union and FORMAS. Additional funding was provided by Herbert and Jacobssons Stiftelse and Lundgrens Vetenskap Fond to BK.
Keywords:Aquatic science, ecology, evolution, behavior and systematics.
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Koeck, Dr Barbara
Authors: Koeck, B., Lovén Wallerius, M., Arlinghaus, R., and Johnsson, J. I.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
Journal Name:Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
Publisher:Canadian Science Publishing
ISSN:0706-652X
ISSN (Online):1205-7533
Published Online:24 July 2019
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2019 The Authors
First Published:First published in Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 77(1): 188-193
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy

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