Awareness, Knowledge, and Perceptions of Barotrauma and Barotrauma Mitigation: A Survey of Florida Anglers

fish experiencing barotrauma

Saltwater recreational fishing is an important economic engine for Florida’s coastal communities. The annual economic impact to the Florida economy of saltwater recreational fishing, which sustains 110,000 jobs, is estimated to be $13 billion. Given the popularity and economic importance of reef fish, careful management of these fish stocks is imperative for the sustainability of the reef-fish resource. Barotrauma, a phenomenon that causes problems for deep-water fish caught and brought to the surface, is recognized by fishery managers as a key cause of death in “catch-and-release” reef fish. This 5-page fact sheet written by Charles Adams, Joy Hazell, Lisa Krimsky, Bryan Fluech, Betty Staugler, John Stevely, and Robert Botta and published by Food and Resource Economics Department describes a recent survey of Florida saltwater anglers and sheds light on incentives for and constraints against the use of barotrauma mitigation devices.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fe1010

Seafood Knowledge, Perceptions, and Use Patterns in Florida: Findings from a 2013 Survey of Florida Residents

Figure 1

Over the past few years, consumers have begun to pay more attention to the nutritional benefits, sustainability, and environment impact of consuming seafood. However, media coverage of these concerns may leave consumers confused and uncertain about how they should incorporate seafood into their diets. In 2013, a survey was conducted to better understand Florida seafood consumer preferences, perceptions, and concerns. This 4-page fact sheet explains the survey’s findings and how they might help Extension deliver effective seafood-based education to Florida residents. Written by Lisa Krimsky, Charles Adams, and Bryan Fluech, and published by the UF Department of Food and Resource Economics, May 2015. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fe965

Goliath Grouper: Giant of the Reef (SGEF179/SG103)

goliath grouperManagement of the goliath grouper, the largest member of the seabass family, has become an intensely debated issue in recent years. This 5-page fact sheet provides factual information on the biology and ecology of goliath grouper relevant to these issues. Written by John Stevely and Bryan Fluech and published by the UF Department of Sea Grant, September 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/sg103

FE826 Balancing Agricultural Production and Environmental Protection in the Tri-County Agricultural Area: Results from Stakeholder Discussions

FE826, a 6-page illustrated fact sheet by Tatiana Borisova, Laila Racevskis, Bryan Fluech, and Jane Provancha, summarizes key points from discussions with various stakeholders in the Putnam, St. Johns, and Flagler tri-county agricultural area during a session of the Florida Natural Resources Leadership Institute held in May of 2008. The discussions focused on the issues of balancing agricultural production and environmental protection in the region. Includes references. Published by the UF Department of Food and Resource Economics, December 2009.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fe826