Black Sea Bass Discard Mortality seminar, Sept. 25, 7:00 PM, Rutgers Coop Extension

[RUCoopExt]

Hello Everyone,

Our Marine Extension Program Seminar Series (MEPSS) with Rutgers Cooperative Extension (RCE) is getting restarted for the fall and winter. This series will include a monthly seminar event covering topics related to fisheries, aquaculture, and coastal resource management.

The first fall seminar will be from 7:00-8:30 PM on Tuesday, September 25 at the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Ocean County (1623 Whitesville Road, Toms River, NJ 08755). I'll be the speaker for the first event and will deliver a presentation on:

"Estimating and Reducing the Discard Mortality Rate of Black Sea Bass in Deepwater Recreational Fisheries"

The presentation will describe the results from a black sea bass tagging study that was conducted to estimate the discard mortality rate of black sea bass during the winter offshore recreational fishery, including recommended best capture and handling practices for reducing the discard mortality rate of black sea bass (e.g., swim bladder venting).

This seminar is open to all who are interested and will be a "HyFlex" seminar offering where you can participate live in-class or remotely via webinar.

Please register for in-class or webinar participation by Friday, September 21 by contacting Kelly Jurgensen (kjurgensen@co.ocean.nj.us | 732-349-1152).

In-Class: $10 Program Fee, includes VENTAFISH™ venting tool
Checks can be made out to "Ocean County Board of Agriculture"
and mailed in advance to the address above, or payment can also
be made via cash or check at the event.

Webinar: Free, but must register in advance

Please feel free to forward this announcement to anyone who might be interested and to contact me if you have any questions. We're looking forward to seeing many of you on Tuesday, September 25!

Thank You,
Doug

[AndyS]

You do realize the winter offshore recreational fishery for Black Sea Bass no longer exists in New Jersey. We used to be allowed to fish in January and February, which in my opinion were the two best months, but not any more

[Rocky]

Great opportunity for recreational fishermen to learn how to vent a fish properly. Tossing back unvented fish is usually a death sentence for the fish and a waste of a great resource.

When I am on charters I can't believe how many fishermen do not do this. It is easy to do and we need to do everything possible to keep this fish stock healthy.

[bulletbob]

"The presentation will describe the results from a black sea bass tagging study that was conducted to estimate the discard mortality rate of black sea bass during the winter offshore recreational fishery, including recommended best capture and handling practices for reducing the discard mortality rate of black sea bass (e.g., swim bladder venting)."



With all due respect,, which "winter offshore recreational fishery" are we discussing here?

The one that ends Dec 31 and doesn't open again until May 15?

Not really much of a winter offshore recreational fishery to discuss- wouldn't you agree?

[Rocky]

November and December are considered Winter months.

Yes I miss those January and February overnight seabass trips also, but this is what we have now and venting fish is something every fishermen should know and do.

[bulletbob]

Originally Posted by Rocky

November and December are considered Winter months.

Yes I miss those January and February overnight seabass trips also, but this is what we have now and venting fish is something every fishermen should know and do.

We can argue semantics if you'd like, but sorry 6-7 weeks before the Solstice is NOT winter.. We can agree on venting, for certain..

[TerriMc223]

I highly recommend taking this seminar!. I had the pleasure of attending the seminars Doug ran this past winter and spring at the same location. He talked a little bit then about his "at sea" research concerning doing better catch and release and venting of sea bass to reduce mortality then so I am interested in hearing more. Hope I can make it.

[RUCoopExt]

I agree its nothing like the winter fishery of years ago, especially here in NJ (i.e., some other states opted to participate in a Wave 1 - January and February black sea bass fishery last year). But, black sea bass are caught and released not only during the directed fishery when the season is open here in NJ in November and December, but also during other deepwater (>100 feet) fisheries both as the target species and non-target species when pursuing other species such as porgies, cod, pollock, or tilefish. The topics covered in this seminar will have relevance to these other fisheries as well.

Terry: Great to hear from you! I hope all is well and that I see you later this month.

Thanks,
Doug

[AndyS]

I understand educating recreational anglers on aspects of catch and release, it's just a tough nut to swallow while commercial boats decimate the seas.

The amount of sea bass and other species I've witnessed over the years floating away as sea gull bait on deep water trips is disturbing and at times significant. Learning how to properly vent fish is something that can only help the resource. Andy I agree with you, it's a tough pill to swallow when probably every fish brought up in nets whether kept or released ends up dying but we can control only what's in our control. Every off shore captain should have a venting tools on board with mates who know how to use them, they cost only a few bucks. Any anglers who knows the technique and wants to assist, even better.

You can just as easily look online to learn what is a very simple technique, just need the tools and a little pratice. Can only help even thought it doesn't level the playing field. Would rather in all cases see a fish not harvested swim away than float to the back of the boat as a death sentence. Just my opinion.