Influence of water temperature and net tending frequency on the condition of fish bycatch in a small-scale inland commercial fyke net fishery

摘要: a b s t r c To date, most studies of commercial fisheries bycatch have focused on mortality at time capture as an endpoint. However, sub-lethal indicators organismal condition the potential to reveal mechanisms associated with (both and post-release) opportunities for improving fish welfare. In this study, we simulated fishing efforts in inland lakes fyke nets during typical season (early April late June) southeastern Ontario, Canada, where non-target species had previously been documented. Using gamefish (i.e., large- mouth bass (Micropterus salmoides, Lacepede), northern pike (Esox Lucius, L.)), well target bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus, Rafinesque)), examined consequences (e.g., blood physiology, reflex impairment, injury) compared effects being retained net two different durations or six days) over range water temperatures 3-28 " C). Sub- lethal physiological disturbances glucose lactate) largemouth tended be greater higher temperatures. days generally did not exhibit stress than those days, exception plasma bass. Reflex impairment was similar among temperature retention periods. Fish experi- enced injuries (including fin frays, scale loss, damage) that facilitate development opportunistic pathogenic infections. Greater incidences injury longer retention. reduce physiologi- cal could lead delayed mortality, suggest regulations fishers require them check their more frequently increase. We future incorporate endpoints given they serve objective measure welfare can provide quantitative mechanistic information support management actions.