Understanding Angler Response to Barotrauma in Lake Erie Yellow Perch

Session: Poster Session

Jesse Lepak, NY Sea Grant, [email protected]

Abstract

Yellow Perch are one of the primary fish species targeted by anglers in New York waters of Lake Erie. Unfortunately, Yellow Perch caught there tend to be from depths where they suffer the effects of barotrauma when brought to the surface, sustaining tissue damage from the change in pressure and subsequent expansion of their swim bladders. When released, these fish are buoyant and either experience mortality directly or from exposure or predation. There is concern about the message and ethics of practicing catch-and-release angling that results in what some might argue is wanton waste of game. A workshop was held to determine stakeholder and expert perceptions (efficacy, feasibility, costs) of different means to mitigate the effects of barotrauma (switching target species/depths/locations, harvest, and treatment prior to release) on the fish, fishery reputation, and angler satisfaction. Harvest was determined to be a desirable option while there was uncertainty about different methods of treating Yellow Perch with barotrauma. Thus, harvest may represent an acceptable option to combat the impacts of barotrauma in Yellow Perch in Lake Erie. This situation provides an educational opportunity to encourage more sustainable and ethical behaviors with proper messaging.