Lifestyle

3 Myths About Deep Sea Catch-And-Release Fishing

Published

3 years ago

March 13, 2021

When divers resurface too quickly from deep water, the intense change in pressure can make gasses dissolved in their blood bubble up. This problem can lead to nausea, fatigue, joint pain, and paralysis. In the worst cases, it can be fatal.

This is known as barotrauma, and it doesn’t only affect us. Dolphins, fish, and sea turtles can suffer severe injuries from sudden pressure changes.

When anglers pull fish from water 30 feet deep and more, their catch is susceptible to barotrauma. Coming rapidly to the surface can make the swim bladder in fish inflate or rupture. This can lead to the death of the fish.

If you’re deep-sea fishing and want to release a fish instead of eating it, you should know some myths about barotrauma:

#1: If The Fish Isn’t Bloated, There Is No Barotrauma

Bloating is indeed the most common sign in a fish you’ve caught. However, some fish – including sharks and cobia – lack swim bladders. They might not show bulging eyes or float on the surface after you release them, but they still could suffer from gasses in their tissues, just like people.

#2: A Fish That Swims Away Is Fine

Some anglers believe if a deepwater fish swims away with no apparent injuries that it doesn’t have barotrauma. Not necessarily.

Research indicates that barotrauma can have effects later that we don’t always see when we release the fish. A fish might swim away but still be injured. Then, it could get eaten by a predator as it swims back to the reef.

A barotrauma study on red snapper found that at least 15% of fish taken from deepwater died almost immediately. About 13% of fish were able to swim away but died within three days. So, nearly one out of three fish in the study did not survive catch and release.

Reef fish, particularly the oldest and biggest females that produce the most eggs per year, are too valuable to the ecosystem to be lost at that rate. It’s essential for anglers who catch and release to use release methods that provide fisher with a better chance of living another day. Even a small improvement in survival rates for these fish can mean millions more fish are saved every year.

#3: Venting Is The Only Way To Treat Barotrauma

Venting means puncturing the side of a fish’s body with a metal tool. When it is done right, venting can release the built-up gasses so they can escape from the bladder. This improves its ability to go back down deep and hopefully survive.

But venting comes with problems. First, it can be hard to vent the fish correctly. You need to have a decent knowledge of fish anatomy. If you poke it a few inches the wrong way, you could damage the fish’s internal organs. Also, you should not vent a fish when the stomach is sticking from the mouth or when the intestines come out of the anus. This can kill the fish.

Even if you vent the fish correctly, it still can suffer from the procedure, including a damaged swim bladder or infections.

Venting does improve the chance the fish will survive, but there are other options.

Try A Descending Device

A descending device returns the fish to deep water, where it can usually recover from barotrauma. You can use a descending device on any fish species, and you don’t even need to know fish anatomy! The more anglers that use descending devices, the more likely deepsea fish will thrive. And that is good for our planet.

Lifestyle

From Wealth to Fields: A Billionaire’s Commitment to Small Farmers

Published

2 weeks ago

July 11, 2024

Michelle Langton

In recent years, billionaire Stefan Soloviev has transitioned from the world of New York real estate to the fertile farmlands of the American West.

His journey from urban wealth to rural development showcases a unique dedication to revitalizing small farming communities and transforming the agricultural landscape.

A New Vision for Agriculture

Stefan Soloviev, son of the late real estate tycoon Sheldon Solow, has amassed a considerable amount of farmland across Colorado, Kansas, and New Mexico. Soloviev’s agricultural enterprise, Crossroads Agriculture, spans over 400,000 acres, making him one of the largest landowners in the United States.

This substantial investment is not merely a financial venture; it represents a commitment to supporting and empowering small farmers in these regions.

Soloviev’s approach to farming is characterized by his desire to move away from competitive practices that often leave small farmers struggling. Instead, he emphasizes collaboration and sustainability.

By leveraging his resources, Soloviev aims to create a farming environment where smallholders can thrive alongside larger operations. This philosophy is particularly evident in his strategic acquisition of the San Luis & Rio Grande Railroad, a critical transportation link for agricultural products in the region.

Revitalizing Rural Communities

Soloviev’s impact extends beyond farmland acquisition. His purchase of the San Luis & Rio Grande Railroad at a bankruptcy auction for $10.7 million highlights his broader vision for the agricultural sector.

This railroad, previously owned by Iowa Pacific Holdings, connects the San Luis Valley to the national rail network, facilitating the efficient transport of goods and boosting local economies.

The acquisition is seen as a positive development for the San Luis Valley, with Soloviev’s Colorado Pacific Railroad expected to be more community-focused and supportive of local initiatives compared to the previous owners. This includes potential cooperation with local recreational projects, such as the proposed Heart of the Valley Trail, which aims to integrate rail and trail use for community benefit.

Soloviev’s dedication to the region is also reflected in his willingness to work with local stakeholders to address community needs. His approach contrasts with more traditional, profit-driven business models and underscores his commitment to fostering a sustainable and inclusive agricultural ecosystem.

Building a Sustainable Future

Soloviev’s investment in the Colorado Pacific Railroad and the broader agricultural infrastructure is part of a long-term vision to create a more resilient and sustainable farming community. By improving transportation networks and providing support to small farmers, he hopes to mitigate some of the challenges these farmers face, such as market access and transportation costs.

Moreover, Soloviev’s initiatives are seen as a way to preserve and enhance the rural way of life, which is increasingly threatened by industrial farming and urban encroachment. His efforts to balance economic viability with environmental stewardship demonstrate a nuanced understanding of the complexities of modern agriculture.

In conclusion, Stefan Soloviev’s transition from urban real estate mogul to a champion of small farmers is a testament to his innovative and community-oriented approach.

His significant investments in farmland and infrastructure, coupled with a commitment to sustainability and local engagement, are paving the way for a brighter future for small farmers in Colorado and beyond. Through his efforts, Soloviev is not only transforming

the agricultural landscape but also setting a precedent for how wealth and resources can be used to foster positive change in rural communities.