Recreational Fishing Research Articles

Large sardine resource discovered off south-eastern Australia: Potential risks, challenges and benefits of establishing a new fishery

This paper documents the discovery of a large sardine (Sardinops sagax) resource off South-eastern Australia. We use information from three ichthyoplankton surveys for jack mackerel to apply the Daily Egg Production Method (DEPM) to the South-eastern sardine stock. Mean daily egg production was estimated from survey data. Spawning area was estimated from the surveys and using a habitat suitability model to predict presence/absence of eggs in unsurveyed areas. Spawning biomass was calculated using adult parameters from the adjacent Southern stock. The spawning biomass in the area surveyed was 262,564 t (95% CI 125,670–326–438 t). Habitat modelling using a conservative threshold suggested that the total spawning biomass was 346,388 t (95% CI 143,936–548,840 t). These results suggest this stock has the capacity to sustain an annual catch of several tens of thousands of tonnes, which is considerably larger than the recent catch of < 2500 t. Our findings provide further evidence that opportunities exist to increase Australia’s fisheries production. Risks and challenges associated with establishing a new large-scale sardine fishery, including bycatch and ecological impacts, and opposition from conservation groups and recreational fishers are discussed. We also outline the potential socio-economic and environmental benefits, including the use of marine protein and oil from a sustainable local source with low environmental impacts as an input to the AU$1.3B Tasmanian salmon aquaculture industry. We emphasize the need to adopt a precautionary approach to developing a new fishery and the critical importance of conducting comprehensive surveys to confirm our findings and inform ongoing management.

High-resolution app data reveal sustained increases in recreational fishing effort in Europe during and after COVID-19 lockdowns.

It is well recognized that COVID-19 lockdowns impacted human interactions with natural ecosystems. One example is recreational fishing, which, in developed countries, involves approximately 10% of people. Fishing licence sales and observations at angling locations suggest that recreational fishing effort increased substantially during lockdowns. However, the extent and duration of this increase remain largely unknown. We used four years (2018-2021) of high-resolution data from a personal fish-finder device to explore the impact of COVID-19 lockdowns on angling effort in four European countries. We show that relative device use and angling effort increased 1.2-3.8-fold during March-May 2020 and generally remained elevated even at the end of 2021. Fishing during the first lockdown also became more frequent on weekdays. Statistical models explained 50-70% of the variation, suggesting that device use and angling effort were relatively consistent and predictable through space and time. Our study demonstrates that recreational fishing behaviour can change substantially and rapidly in response to societal shifts, with profound ecological, human well-being and economic implications. We also show the potential of angler devices and smartphone applications for high-resolution fishing effort analysis and encourage more extensive science and industry collaborations to take advantage of this information.

An Assessment of Spearfishing Catches along the Eastern Adriatic Coast

The impact of recreational fishing on fish stocks was neglected for many years as it was considered minor and insignificant. Despite the increasing assessment of the impact of recreational fishing, little effort is made to effectively and systematically collect catch and effort data from recreational fishing and integrate them into official fishery statistics. The aim of this study is to provide the first empirical investigation to quantify the impact of spearfishing on coastal fish communities in the eastern Adriatic. In Croatia, continuous monitoring of spearfishing competitions started in 2005, but, in 2012, the rules for the competitions were changed, and the species and quantities per species were restricted. For the purpose of this analysis, only data collected during the seven-year period from 2005 to 2011 were used, which included a total of 46 competitions in which spearfishers fished without any limitations, as later data were not comparable. These data can provide a robust estimation of the impact of spearfishing on coastal communities. Instead of a general approach, future studies should adopt a species-specific approach. Compared to the results on the impacts of other fishing methods, the obtained results are useful for researchers, managers, and also policy makers to sustainably manage coastal ecosystems and the associated ecosystems services.

Ecosystem services profiles for communities benefitting from estuarine habitats along the Massachusetts coast, USA

The Massachusetts Bays National Estuary Partnership is one of 28 programs in the United States Environmental Protection Agency's National Estuary Program (NEP) charged with developing and implementing comprehensive plans for protecting and restoring the biological integrity and beneficial uses of their estuarine systems. The Partnership has recently updated their comprehensive management plan to include restoration targets for coastal habitats, and as part of this effort, the program explored how to better demonstrate that recovery of ecological integrity of degraded ecosystems also provides ecosystem services that humans want and need. An essential step was to identify key stakeholders and understand the benefits important to them. The primary objective of the study presented here was to evaluate variability in beneficial uses of estuarine habitats across coastal communities in Massachusetts Bays. We applied a text mining approach to extract ecosystem services concepts from over 1400 community planning documents. We leveraged a Final Ecosystem Goods and Services (FEGS) classification framework and related scoping tool to identify and prioritize the suite of natural resource users and ecosystem services those users care about, based on the relative frequency of mentions in documents. Top beneficiaries included residents, experiencers and viewers, property owners, educators and students, and commercial or recreational fishers. Beneficiaries had a surprising degree of shared interests, with top ecosystem services of broad relevance including for naturalness, fish and shellfish, water movement and navigability, water quality and quantity, aesthetic viewscapes, availability of land for development, flood mitigation, and birds. Community-level priorities that emerged were primarily related to regional differences, the local job industry, and local demographics. Identifying priority ecosystem services from community planning documents provides a starting point for setting locally-relevant restoration goals, designing projects that reflect what stakeholders care about, and supporting post-restoration monitoring in terms of accruing relevant benefits to local communities.

Elasmobranch Diversity at Reunion Island (Western Indian Ocean) and Catches by Recreational Fishers and a Shark Control Program

Elasmobranchs are declining worldwide due to overfishing. In developing countries and island states in tropical regions, small-scale and recreational fisheries can significantly impact the dynamics of neritic species. We investigated elasmobranch diversity at Reunion Island, a marine biodiversity hotspot in the Western Indian Ocean. Combining information from the literature, catches from the local shark control program, results from a survey of local recreational fishing, and through barcoding of some specimens, we updated the list of elasmobranchs to 65 species. However, uncertainties remain about the actual presence of some species, such as the three sawfish species. Results highlight the disappearance of most coral reef-associated species, as already suspected. Results also suggest that local populations of scalloped hammerhead shark (Sphyrna lewini) and bottlenose wedgefish (Rhynchobatus australiae) seem healthy, in contrast with their decline in the region. For some species, such as bull sharks (Carcharhinus leucas) and scalloped hammerhead sharks, Reunion Island is a site of reproduction, and as such, the species are exploited at both juvenile and adult stages, which likely increases their vulnerability. In the context of global elasmobranch decline, it is urgent to clarify the conservation status and evaluate the degree of isolation of local populations to identify research and conservation priorities.

Life on a seamount: Lake charr at Stannard Rock, Lake Superior, 2011–2015

Lake Superior has four extant lake charr ecotypes including the ubiquitous lean (shallow-water form), the deep-water siscowet, and the less common, mid-depth redfin and humper forms. Stannard Rock is a distant seamount in Michigan waters that is a coveted recreational lean lake charr fishing destination. Lake charr at Stannard Rock were surveyed during 2011–2015 using gill nets set in waters <80 and ≥80 m to assess population status. All four ecotypes were found at Stannard Rock with leans being most abundant at depths <80 m and humpers and siscowets most abundant in waters ≥80 m. Few redfins were found. Total annual mortality was estimated to be 24% for leans, 18% for humpers, and 15% for siscowets. Population age and size structure of lake charr were broad with many fish older than 20 years and >700 mm. Asymptotic length was 891 mm for leans, 459 mm for humpers, and 938 mm for siscowets. Female length at 50% maturity was 547 mm for leans, 382 mm for humpers, and 453 mm for siscowets. Recreational fishery total harvest of leans peaked at 5,000 fish per year during 2011–2015. Overall, lake charr populations at Stannard Rock were healthy. Caution must be exercised because harvest levels were modest at Stannard Rock, which has a small area relative to nearshore lake charr habitat. These findings support the concept put forth by progressive recreational fishers that have advocated assigning Stannard Rock as a heritage fishery area with restrictive regulations to maintain its sustainability.

Recent Advancements in Fisheries Systems and Applications for Animal Growth in Water-Borne Animals Fisheries Systems

Advances in fisheries system have been made in the few past years due to different technological progress in the food chain system by improving the mutual communication among different types of organisms. Overfishing, anthropogenic climate change, and pollution are already having measurable impacts on the marine environment throughout the majority of the globe, and their potential long-term repercussions are very concerning. Fishing activity contributes to marine debris; the proportional contribution of recreational fishing has not been quantified. New approaches that are being used in various ways include the precautionary approach, the ecological approach, adaptive management, and harvest control rules. Growth in coastal population has made water and land pollution worse and placed additional pressure on coastal development. Satellite remote sensing has been an essential tool in fishery research, management, and harvesting because it offers synoptic ocean measurements for evaluating environmental influences on the abundance and distribution of fish populations and allows ecological analyses at community and ecosystem scales. Synthetic super-active analogues with higher inducing potency at lower doses were developed using biotechnological techniques including protein engineering and recombinant DNA technology. There are many methods of preservation, including as drying, smoking, freezing, chilling, and brining. Fish that has been smoked or dried has more nutrients and is easier to digest. Fish is often prepared by smoking or drying; both processes eliminate moisture by heating, which reduces the development of germs and increases shelf life. Advances in genetic engineering also helpful for improving the new varieties in the fisheries system.

De-hooking depredation: Exploring multiple fisher perceptions about marine depredation in Florida

Marine depredation involves the removal of or damage to captured fish by predators, and recent evidence suggests it is increasing globally likely due to increasing fishing effort and changes in predator behavior. Anecdotal reports indicate that marine depredation in Florida may be especially severe, given the high number of fishers and predator species. However, the magnitude of marine depredation in Florida and fisher perceptions of these events are poorly understood. We employed a survey of commercial, private recreational, and for-hire saltwater license holders to explore the extent and magnitude of fishing experiences and perceptions related to marine depredation across Florida, highlighting differences among fisher groups using closed- and open-ended survey questions. We found few to no significant differences between fishing sector groups, meaning depredation was prevalent across all locations, gear types, and target species. Most user groups experienced depredation by more than one predator, but sharks and dolphins were reported as the most common predators. Commercial and for-hire operators were more likely to have very negative and negative sentiments toward predators, while private recreational fishers were more likely to view their depredation experiences as neutral. The need for improved management of predators and other fish stocks was expressed across all sectors, especially among commercial fishers. Our results support the growing literature on increased depredation experiences statewide and the need to devise a solution for all marine fisheries users in Florida. We anticipate our exploratory findings to be used as a starting point for researchers and fisheries management agencies to understand fishing sector perceptions and attempt to mitigate negative depredation experiences.

Tracking ongoing transboundary marine distributional range shifts in the digital era

The digitalization of society is providing new opportunities to track spatio-temporal redistribution of species across national boundaries in near real-time. This is particularly interesting for marine species for which dynamics are difficult to monitor. We took advantage of the ongoing northward distributional range shift of the white grouper Epinephelus aeneus in Italy, Spain and France (Mediterranean Sea) to test the performance and complementarity of 4 emerging digital methods: (1) local ecological knowledge of recreational fishers actively collected using social media; (2) passive data mining of recreational fishing on social media; (3) Wikipedia page views; and (4) Google search volumes. We compared the temporal changes in maximum latitude of occurrence of the species from local ecological knowledge, passive data mining and traditional scientific knowledge and matched it with the thermal habitat of the species. Moreover, we compared the Wikipedia page views and Google search volumes to assess whether societal interest has a relationship with the distributional range shift of the species. Local ecological knowledge and passive data mining on social media complement traditional scientific knowledge, but are more sensitive as suggested by their significant relationship with the thermal habitat of the species. Wikipedia page views and Google search volumes were higher in Italy where the species is more common, but temporal trends within countries did not agree with changes in the distribution, and likely reflect local societal interest. Digital methodologies can complement traditional scientific knowledge with limited associated costs and with the additional ability to provide social insights for species on the move.

Moderate recreational oyster harvest has variable impacts on biophysical properties of reefs and reef‐associated fauna

AbstractDespite the popularity of recreational fishing, our understanding of the impacts of this type of harvest within marine ecosystems generally lags behind the well‐documented effects of commercial fisheries. Intertidal oysters serve as ecosystem engineers within otherwise soft‐bottom estuaries but may be disproportionately susceptible to harvest because of their sessile nature and accessibility at low tide. We used a Before–After–Control–Impact design to investigate the effects of recreational oyster “picking” on the physical structure provided by reefs and the community of reef‐associated mobile fauna. Despite reductions in oyster density on harvested reefs following the fishing season, we did not observe changes in other biophysical properties of reefs. Similarly, we found variable impacts of oyster harvest on the community of reef‐associated fauna, with community diversity changing seasonally on closed reefs but remaining low throughout on harvested reefs. Direct relationships between change in oyster density through time and changes in reef rugosity, faunal diversity, and faunal density were also variable. While oyster harvest removes the physical structure provided by these foundation species, the level of recreational harvest currently occurring in our study system apparently does not exceed the threshold which leads to cascading changes in reef‐associated fauna.

Limited contribution of hatchery-produced individuals to the sustainment of wild marble trout (Salmo marmoratus Cuvier, 1829) in an Alpine basin

Fish stocking constitutes a common management practice in freshwaters all over the world, to enhance fisheries or to support threatened fish populations. Pervasive detrimental effects may affect the real effectiveness of stocking programs. However, studies assessing the real impacts and relative contribution of stocked trout in wild populations are surprisingly few.The marble trout, Salmo marmoratus (Cuvier 1829), is a critically endangered sub-endemic salmonid in Northern Italy, and an iconic species for recreational fishing and conservation, also representing an emblematic case of species negatively affected by restocking. For instance, marble trout inhabiting the Toce River, the second largest tributary of Lake Maggiore, has been stocked with different hatchery congener trout belonging to the Salmo trutta complex (putative marble trout, Atlantic trout Salmo trutta Linnaeus 1758 and putative Mediterranean trout Salmo ghigii Pomini 1941) over the last decades. Using mitochondrial (D-loop) and nuclear (12 microsatellites and LDH-C1*) markers, we characterised the genetic variability and gene flow among the wild and hatchery individuals of marble trout of this basin, to investigate the effectiveness of stocking activities on the native residual population.Despite extensive hybridization of marble trout with non-native brown trout stocks was shown, the presence of individuals belonging to pure native stock has been detected as well. However, concerns could be advanced regarding its future persistence, due to climatic and hydraulic instabilities or loss of environmental heterogeneity. Moreover, despite ongoing yearly massive stocking activities, a negligible contribution of reared putative marble trout in the wild sample has been documented, suggesting that natural recruitment represents the greatest source of this wild population sustainment. Important adaptive differences between wild and domestic trout are present, likely due to the deleterious long-term effects of the close breeding system of hatcheries. Finally, possible implications for stocking management improvement have been discussed.

Two centuries of spatial and temporal dynamics of freshwater fish introductions

AbstractAimInvestigating major freshwater fish flows (translocations) between biogeographic regions and their temporal dynamics and also quantifying spatial patterns and temporal changes in the array of introduced species, and the emergence and distance between major donor and recipient regions.LocationGlobal.Time Period1800–2020.Major Taxa StudiedFreshwater fishes.MethodsWe analysed a global dataset on freshwater fish introductions (4241 events of 688 species). Freshwater fish flows were investigated with flow diagrams and χ2 tests, while PERMANOVA (permutational multivariate analysis of variance) was used to test the association between species and regions and temporal shifts. Cluster analysis revealed major recipient areas and composition of the introduced species. Finally, changes in distances between donor and recipient sites were tested with PERMANOVA.ResultsThe number of introductions between biogeographic regions mirrored the European and North American dominance before World War II (WWII) and the trends in recreational fishing, biocontrol programmes and food production, especially in the Sino‐Oriental region, which has a long tradition of aquaculture and fishkeeping. Over the years, the origins and composition of introduced species changed uniquely in each biogeographic region, although the most introduced species are common to every region. Salmonids and other cold‐water species were frequently introduced before the 1950s, whereas tropical ornamental and aquaculture species currently prevail. Distances between donor and recipient sites did not vary over the time. After WWII, the Sino‐Oriental region consolidated its dominance and the Ethiopian and Neotropical regions emerged as new global donor and recipient regions.Main ConclusionsGlobal policy should focus on tropical ornamental and aquaculture species, which could benefit from global warming, especially in the Sino‐Oriental region, because it currently dominates freshwater fish species flows, and the Ethiopian and Neotropical regions, because they recently emerged as important global donor and recipient regions of freshwater fish introductions.

Biodistribution of naturally occurring radionuclides and radiocesium in wild European perch (Perca fluviatilis)

Wild European perch (Perca fluviatilis) is one of the most important freshwater fish species, in Sweden, due to its widespread and his value for recreational fishing. Little it is known regarding the biodistribution of naturally occurring radionuclides such as 238U, 234U, 226Ra, 210Po in perch. Therefore, in this study, perches from five lakes located in different counties in Sweden were collected to investigate the biodistribution of 238U, 234U, 226Ra, 210Po and 137Cs in organs and tissues of perch as well as their radiological impact. The results showed that uranium radionuclides ranged between 0.1 and 6 Bq/kg with an average value of 1.1 ± 1.5 Bq/kg. 226Ra varied from 0.4 to 8 Bq/kg with a mean concentration of 1.7 ± 1.9 Bq/kg. The ranged of 210Po was 0.5 – 250 Bq/kg, with an average value of 24 ± 52 Bq/kg. On the other hand, the highest activity concentration of 137Cs, 151 ± 1 Bq/kg, was detected in muscle samples of perch from Redsjösjön lake. For uranium radionuclides and 226Ra uptake from water is the main source whereas for 210Po and 137Cs the uptake is controlled by the perch diet. Regarding naturally occurring radionuclides, the perch tended to accumulated uranium radionuclides in fins, gills, and skin; 226Ra in bones, fins and skin and 210Po in the organs linked to digestive system. Finally, in case of consumption, it is advised the consumption of skinned fillets of perch due to the higher bioaccumulation of the radionuclides investigated in the skin and scales.

Differences in Recreational Fishers’ Motivations for Utilising Two Estuarine Fisheries

Effective fisheries management requires an understanding of human dimensions. This study elicited the salient motivations for recreational blue swimmer crab and black bream fishing in Western Australia and whether these views differed depending on the fishing location and/or the characteristics of the fisher. Crab fishers were strongly consumption-orientated and aimed to “catch big crabs” and “catch enough crabs to eat”. Furthermore, 91% consumed their catch, with only 2% practicing catch-and-release fishing. In contrast, 81% of black bream fishers did so for the sport/challenge, with the strongest motivation being to catch a bream considerably above legal size and with food only selected by 15% of respondents; most fishers released caught fish. The marked differences between the fisheries for the two species, which co-occur in the same estuaries, are likely driven by the accessible nature of the crab fishery, ease of catching crabs, the low cost of fishing equipment, and their taste. Fishing for black bream, however, requires more expensive equipment, patience, and a greater skill level. Fishers considered crabbing to be as important as other fishing and outdoor activities, whereas bream fishers considered bream fishing considerably more important, reflecting the trophy nature of this fishery.

Peri-urban shore recreational fishing in New England and climate change

ABSTRACT The mental and physical benefits of accessible coastlines for urban residents will be impacted by climate change. Using place attachment, identity, adaptation, climate, and recreational fishing literature, this study investigates how urban and peri-urban shore recreational fishers will likely respond to impacts from climate change, specifically, those associated with rainfall, hurricanes and fish species. Findings from anglers interviewed at peri-urban public access sites in Rhode Island indicate that increased rainfall and hurricanes are perceived to reduce recreational fishing use through lack of access, dangerous conditions and erosion. Climate change impacts were conceptualised as short or long term with many anglers highly adaptive to short term impacts. Anglers with health issues or children were less motivated to use substitution gear or strategies for weather changes. Increased immediate fish abundance may increase shore recreational fishing. These findings allow assessment and interpretation of how recreational fishers will use coastal sites in the future.

Маломерные суда: спектр их использования и проблемы

Using small boats is not limited to using them as watercrafts for amateur or recreational fishing, as well as an auxiliary fleet of the large-tonnage vessels. Motor boats as a means of performing the main production functions are widely used by the different industrial enterprises, whose activities are related to the operation in inland waterways and other water areas. The Astrakhan region, among other regions with inland waterways, has a large network &#x0D; of branched canals, some of which are located in shallow waters with dense reeds, impassible for the ships with &#x0D; a large draft transferring personnel, cargo and equipment. High speed developed by the small boats in gliding makes it possible to use them in the border service, fish protection service, in transporting passengers, etc. At the same time, the disadvantages of using small vessels are considered, namely, a much lower level of comfort compared to the large vessels, noise and vibrations from the outboard motor, the impact of emissions on the environment. Staying of the navigator in close proximity to the engine, the prolonged exposure to the negative impact of the environment (high and low temperatures, wind, precipitation) increase the fatigue of the human body. Conclusions are drawn about the need to reduce negative factors, creating more comfortable working conditions for the staff. Due to the lack of freely available information on the positive and negative aspects of using a small fleet, the experience of using motor boats with outboard motors is listed and described.

A participatory climate vulnerability assessment for recreational tidal flats fisheries in Belize and The Bahamas

Recreational fishing is a pillar of the multibillion-dollar tourism sector in the Caribbean, supporting economic development and community livelihoods. However, as climate change drives increased habitat degradation, key recreational target species may experience declines. To effectively prioritize adaptation and mitigation efforts it is critical to project climate change impacts on recreational species and the communities that depend on them. We conducted a comprehensive climate vulnerability assessment (CVA) for three recreationally important tidal flats species in Belize and The Bahamas: bonefish (Albula vulpes), tarpon (Megalops atlanticus), and permit (Trachinotus falcatus). Species vulnerability was assessed by coupling 1) a research-based CVA to evaluate the sensitivity and exposure of species to climate impacts with 2) a participatory workshop involving 17 fishing guides, resource managers, and science and policy experts working in fisheries systems in Belize and/or The Bahamas. The workshop elicited local expert knowledge to resolve and contextualize CVA scoring and to identify strategies to increase climate resilience. According to the research-based CVA, key climate factors in the Caribbean are expected to see a ‘very high’ magnitude of change by 2050. All three species exhibit ‘very high’ vulnerability to these changes based on life history traits and reliance on nearshore habitats that are exposed to rapid temperature increases and storm damage. The expert stakeholder group confirmed a ‘very high’ magnitude of expected climate impacts in the Caribbean region, to which bonefish, the most valuable species, is likely to have a ‘very high’ vulnerability. However, stakeholders perceived tarpon and permit to be less vulnerable to these impacts than the CVA predicted, based on “on the water” observations of their habitat flexibility and resilience to disturbance. The group identified strategies at the individual, community, national, and international levels to enhance climate resilience in the recreational fishing sector. Our work highlights how participatory CVA processes can support a stronger understanding of species’ vulnerability while building capacity and collaboration to increase climate change readiness.

Fish Hooks and the Protection of Living Aquatic Resources in the Context of Recreational Catch-and-Release Fishing Practice and Fishing Tourism

The fish hook is a commonly known tool used in recreational fishing, which is one of the forms of active, specialised tourism. As a component of a fishing rod, the hook is intended to be anchored into the mouth of a fish and hold the fish on the end of the line while landing it. However, in the context of the protection of living aquatic resources and Catch-and-Release (C&amp;R) fishing, its role and significance are becoming broader. In addition to the impact of the hook type on fishing efficiency, including the Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE), the importance of hook selection in terms of minimising the resulting damage to the tissues of caught and released fish is increasing. It appears that alternative hook types, such as barbless hooks and circle hooks, are safer for fish in the aforementioned context while not significantly reducing fishing efficiency. This review study is aimed at describing the design, types, and role of the fish hook in modern C&amp;R angling, including the impact of the hook type on both fishing efficiency and the safety and welfare of released fish, which translates into the status and protection of living aquatic resources. The issues presented in the study highlight a number of related technical, biological and social factors that are specific to inland angling in particular. Such a holistic perspective can be used to support the effective management of recreational fishing, which, as one of the most popular human activities when in contact with water, has a very significant impact on the state of the environment and, thus, on the possibility of tourism development.

Unsustainable practices among contemporary maritime fishing communities of Mallorca (Balearic Islands, Spain): A socioecological and historical approach

AbstractIn this research, we address the relationship that exists between the development of certain unsustainable fishing practices among professional small‐scale fishery, industrial fishery and recreational fishing and the historical and social changes observed in the configuration of maritime fishing communities in Mallorca (Balearic Islands, Spain). We also explore the impact that European, Spanish and regional policies have had on the strategies of exploitation of the marine environment and the forms of social organisation of these communities. To do this, we apply a multiproxy approach that includes several kinds of data: field research, photographic archives, oral interviews, local newspapers, legislation, official reports and published literature. The anthropological and historic viewpoints applied in the research delve into how the disappearance of traditional professional small‐scale fishing and the surge of both a bottom‐trawl fleet and recreational marine fishing have not only promoted a loss of sustainability and environmental balance in such coastal environments but have also led to a significant loss regarding key cultural and identity assets.

The Protection of Animal Welfare vis-à-vis Recreational Fishing: The Judgment C-148/22 of the Colombian Constitutional Court

Abstract This analysis considers the recent ruling of the Colombian Constitutional Court, C-148/22, in which the Court banned recreational fishing in the country citing the prohibition of animal cruelty under the Colombian constitution and the precautionary principle. This unprecedented decision by a constitutional tribunal illustrates the growing importance of animal welfare as a justiciable standard of adjudication. It also underscores the complex role of judges when reconciling the extant human-centric concerns in constitutional thinking with the growing constitutional significance awarded to the lived experiences of animals. This analysis discusses the Court’s reasoning and highlights issues inviting further consideration.