Abstract
The European eel (Anguilla anguilla) is a commercially and recreationally important fishery target species. In the last decades, the eel has experienced dramatic stock declines and has been listed as critically endangered. To reduce fishing mortality, several European countries have closed the fishery or introduced stricter management measures which increase the likelihood of catch-and-release in the recreational fishery. This study investigated hook shedding mechanisms of deep-hooked, line-cut eels via radiography, and quantified hook shedding rates, post-release mortality and sub-lethal effects in captivity. Eels were caught with four different hook treatments, monitored in a tank for 23weeks, and radiographed 0, 1, 3, 10, 24, 54, 115 and 163days after capture. After 163days, total hook shedding rate was significantly higher for smaller hooks (41.2%) compared to larger hooks (0.0%), and increased with fish length. Post-release mortality rates ranged between 27.3% and 50.0% after 23weeks (not adjusted for handling and holding) and did not differ significantly between hook treatments. The majority of dead eels showed gastric perforations caused by the hooks leading to internal haemorrhaging and the intrusion of digestive fluids into the body cavity inducing lethal degradation and inflammation of vital organs. Anglers are encouraged to minimise bycatch of eel in countries where eel harvest is prohibited. Anglers targeting eel should use selective and appropriate fishing gears, baits and tactics (e.g. very large hooks, immediate hook setting after a bite) to reduce deep hooking and the catch of undersized eels, ultimately promoting the eel's conservation.
Highlights
The catadromous European eel (Anguilla anguilla L.) is a socioeconomically and culturally important commercial and recreational fisheries resource throughout Europe (Bernotas et al, 2016; Dekker and Beaulaton, 2016; Moriarty and Dekker, 1997; Pawson et al, 2007; Ringuet et al, 2002; van der Hammen et al, 2015)
Broadhurst et al (2007) found that most hooks ingested by yellowfin breams (Acanthopagrus australis) were re-orientated in positions less suitable to allow hook shedding through the digestive tract after four weeks of holding
The present findings provide first information on hook shedding and post-release fate of deep-hooked eels for anglers and fisheries managers, and may help to develop best practice guidelines to reduce post-release mortality rates in the recreational eel fishery contributing to the conservation of the European eel
Summary
The catadromous European eel (Anguilla anguilla L.) is a socioeconomically and culturally important commercial and recreational fisheries resource throughout Europe (Bernotas et al, 2016; Dekker and Beaulaton, 2016; Moriarty and Dekker, 1997; Pawson et al, 2007; Ringuet et al, 2002; van der Hammen et al, 2015). Since the late 1970s, the European eel population has experienced dramatic declines and is currently considered to be outside safe biological limits (Aalto et al, 2016; Dekker, 2003, 2008; Dekker and Beaulaton, 2016; FAO and ICES, 2007). The European eel has been listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (Jacoby and Gollock, 2014) and in Annex II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES, 2014) to control its trade. M.S. Weltersbach et al / Biological Conservation 199 (2016) 16–24
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