Effects of catch-and-release angling on large cichlids in the subtropical Zambezi River

Abstract

Long-term mortality and movements of cichlids after catch-and-release angling in a subtropical warm river were studied by radio tagging 15 nembwe ( Serranochromis robustus ) and 9 threespot tilapia ( Oreochromis andersonii ) in the Zambezi River in Africa. No direct mortality from catch-and-release angling was recorded, even though water temperatures were as high as 27–30 °C during capture. Indirect catch-and-release mortality could be increased risk of being predated upon before recovering from capture and release, as the transmitter from one threespot tilapia was found under a typical African fish eagle ( Haliaeetus vocifer ) tree, indicating that it was captured by a fish eagle. Excessive movements the first days after release compared to later in the season could indicate a behavioural reaction to capture and release. It is concluded that catch-and-release angling may be a successful management strategy to sustain recreational fisheries of cichlids in declining populations.