Reef fish descending device10/4/2023 ![]() “We are pleased NOAA Fisheries is officially requiring descending devices to be on board all vessels targeting snapper and grouper to tackle this problem of wanton waste. ![]() “The recreational fishing community spearheaded and for years has advocated for the use of descending devices and other best fishing practices to benefit America’s marine resources,” said Jeff Angers, president of the Center for Sportfishing Policy. A descending device is a weighted hook, lip clamp, or box that holds the fish while it is lowered to a sufficient depth where the pressure of the surrounding water returns internal gas to equilibrium, which allows the fish to be released with a much higher likelihood of survival. If an angler releases the fish (sometimes necessary due to size, season or bag limit restrictions) and the fish does not survive, this is a dead discard or wasted fish. When deep-water fish are brought rapidly to the surface, they can experience barotrauma – a condition where a buildup of gas pressure in their bodies makes it difficult or impossible to swim back down. The rule will go into effect on July 15, 2020, for all commercial, for-hire and private recreational vessels. NOAA Fisheries issued the final rule requiring descending devices to be rigged and ready for use onboard all vessels fishing for or possessing snapper-grouper species in South Atlantic federal waters. Rebecca Louviere, CSP Communications Director Recreational Fishing Community Applauds South Atlantic Descending Device Requirement Effective July 15
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