Citizen scientists needed for FWC barotrauma tool study

[SpearMax]

Citizen scientists needed for FWC barotrauma tool study

Do you fish for reef fish like snapper or grouper? The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is seeking volunteer anglers and charter/headboat captains to take part in a descending-device citizen science study. Descending devices are tools used to recompress the swim bladder and increase a fish’s chance of survival when they cannot be kept and are experiencing barotrauma (swim bladder expansion when a fish is brought up from depths greater than 50 feet). Signs of barotrauma include the stomach coming out of the mouth, bulging eyes, bloated belly and distended intestines.

As a citizen science partner, you will test a descending device and help identify the benefits and drawbacks of using this tool when fishing in deeper waters. The information from all participants will be pooled to identify why some anglers might not use these tools. Your valuable feedback will be used to inform and improve efforts to increase the survival of caught and released reef fish.

To participate, prospective participants must first answer general screening questions. Randomly-selected participants will then watch a tutorial on descending devices, complete an initial evaluation, and test a descending device during the trial period from July 1, through Sept. 30, 2017. When the trial period ends, participants must complete a detailed post-evaluation about their experience by Oct. 15. Preliminary results of the evaluation will be available in late 2017.

To apply for an opportunity to participate in this study, visit www.surveymonkey.com/r/XK55MJV. To learn more about barotrauma, visit our YouTube channel at MyFWC.com/SaltwaterFishing. For additional information, call 850-487-0554 or email Marine@MyFWC.com.

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[searaydiver]

Already signed up and have taken several of their surveys. Seems like I'm in. Thanks for the post.

[searaydiver]

Got my release tool today from FWC. It appears to be well thought out and of good construction. I will keep posting the results of its use and draw backs.

[SpearMax]

Originally Posted by searaydiver

Got my release tool today from FWC. It appears to be well thought out and of good construction. I will keep posting the results of its use and draw backs.

Great - looking forward to your results. Thanks!

[searaydiver]

The results are in. The tool works flawlessly. It's a great addition to any ones tackle box. You will need to dedicate a pole or line for it's use but we'll worth the extra effort. One hundred percent survival ratio is not too shabby. Each release is one more survival success story and the potential of getting larger for the next encounter by fisherman or diver. Easy to use. Just clip the fish in and drop it back over. Allow it to drop back to depth. One fast upward pull allows the release to open and free the fish. If you fish in forty plus fsw, you should look into this. Be a contributor.