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Watch along with the board to review what we already know about ecosystems and food chains.

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BrainPOP - Animated Educational Site for Kids - Science, Social Studies, English, Math, Arts & Music, Health, and Technology

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Large mouth bass I caught in a small neighborhood pond. 

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In the comments below using what you know, make a claim. Should I have harvested this fish or released it.

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Use this section to build your knowledge on food chains so you can back up your claim. 

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Use this section to build your knowledge on food chains so you can back up your claim. 

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Use 1 of these resources in your final claim.

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Make sure to have a clear and concise claim with at least 3 pieces of evidence from this padlet to support it. 

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Make sure to have a clear and concise claim with at least 3 pieces of evidence from this padlet to support it. 

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Use this section to build your knowledge on overpopulation so you can back up your claim. 

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Use this section to build your knowledge on overpopulation so you can back up your claim. 

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Use 1 of these resources in your final claim.

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Use this section to build your knowledge on existing laws and ethics so you can back up your claim. 

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Use this section to build your knowledge on existing laws and ethics so you can back up your claim. 

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Use 1 of these resources in your final claim.

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Create a large mouth bass food chain model. You can do this digitally or take a picture of a physical model.

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The food chain describes who eats whom in the wild.

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The marine ecosystem is made up of a complicated series interconnected energy producers—like plants and photoplankton—and consumers—from plant-eaters to meat-eaters, both great and small.

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What are the consequences of overstocking an aquarium? - The Environmental Literacy Council

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The Hidden Dangers of a Crowded Aquarium: Understanding the Consequences of Overstocking Overstocking an aquarium, simply put, is the practice of keeping too many fish in a tank that’s too small for them. The consequences can be devastating, leading to a cascade of problems that negatively impact the health, well-being, and even survival of your […]

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The Effects Of Animal Overpopulation - Sciencing

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Animal overpopulation occurs when an ecosystem is unable to support the existing wildlife because there are too many of a given species. The environment suffers due to the strain from the natural activities of the overpopulated species. The results can be devastating as animals scrape for food and wander into unnatural habitats in search of something to eat. Disease is also a factor as the ecosystem makes a final attempt to regain a natural balance and order. Overpopulated animal species lead difficult lives with limited resources.

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Plants and animals depend on each other for survival. Find out why this biodiversity is so important—and why it’s in trouble.

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Fishing and Freshwater Ecosystems: Path to Sustainable Conservation

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Freshwater ecosystems are some of the most biodiverse habitats on Earth, nurturing myriad species and supporting human livelihoods. For individuals and communities rooted in the practices and resources freshwater environments offer, fishing stands as both a tradition and an industry. Yet, this long-standing activity has direct implications for the health and sustainability of freshwater ecosystems. By understanding these effects, we move closer to ensuring the preservation and resilience of these precious natural resources.

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How Does Overharvesting Affect the Environment? - The Environmental Literacy Council

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How Does Overharvesting Affect the Environment? Overharvesting, the excessive taking of wild plants and animals, poses a significant threat to the delicate balance of our planet’s ecosystems. It’s a practice driven by various factors, including commercial gain, subsistence needs, and recreational activities. However, the repercussions of unchecked overharvesting extend far beyond the depletion of specific […]

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This is a very long resource so skim it, but it is the best resource in this section.

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Should Anglers Catch and Release or Harvest Their Catch? | IFW Blogs

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By Fisheries Resource Biologist Liz Thorndike

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1. Introduction: Rethinking Catch and Release

For many anglers across the United States, catch and release is seen as the gold standard of ethical fishing. Its promoted by conservation groups, state wildlife agencies, and even professional tournaments. The idea is simple-catch a fish, enjoy the thrill of the fight, maybe snap a quick photo, then gently return it to the water unharmed so it can live another day. But is it really that straightforward?

Over the years, catch and release has become more than just a method-it's a philosophy rooted in sustainability and respect for nature. However, recent discussions among biologists, conservationists, and everyday fishermen are starting to question whether this practice always lives up to its ethical intentions.

The truth is, not all released fish survive. Some die from injuries caused by hooks, stress from being caught, or improper handling. In certain environments or during particular seasons, releasing a fish might do more harm than good. These realities raise an important question: Are we doing whats best for the fish-or just what makes us feel better?

Why It Matters

Understanding when catch and release may not be the most ethical option is crucial for responsible anglers who care about the health of fish populations and aquatic ecosystems. As stewards of our waters, its time we take a closer look at how our actions affect the very species we claim to protect.

Common Assumptions vs. Reality

Released fish always survive

Many suffer delayed mortality due to stress or injury

Catching and releasing doesn't impact populations

High post-release mortality can affect local fish stocks

Using barbless hooks eliminates harm

Improper handling still causes damage regardless of hook type

This article series will explore these issues in depth-from scientific findings on fish survival rates to cultural attitudes that shape our choices on the water. By rethinking catch and release, we can evolve our practices to be not only legal but genuinely ethical.

2. The Science Behind Fish Mortality

Catch and release is often seen as the ethical choice for anglers who want to enjoy fishing without harming fish populations. But even when its done by the book, science shows that not all released fish survive. Let's break down why that happens.

Biological Stress: More Than Just a Tug on the Line

When a fish is hooked, it experiences intense physical exertion trying to escape. This stress causes lactic acid buildup in the muscles-similar to what humans feel after extreme exercise, but much worse. The longer the fight, the higher the stress levels, and that can lead to serious health problems or even death after release.

Injury from Hooks and Handling

Even with barbless hooks and careful handling, fish can suffer internal injuries or damage to their gills, eyes, or jaw. Some species are more vulnerable than others. For example, deep-hooking can puncture vital organs, especially in smaller or soft-mouthed fish like trout.

Common Injuries from Catch and Release

Delayed Mortality: The Silent Killer

A fish might swim away after being released, but that doesn't mean it's out of danger. Studies have shown that delayed mortality-death occurring hours or even days later-is a real concern. Factors like water temperature, exhaustion, and pre-existing injury all play a role in whether a fish survives post-release.

Factors That Affect Delayed Mortality Rates

The Bottom Line on Fish Mortality Science

The reality is that catch and release isnt always as harmless as we'd like to believe. Even when done right-with proper gear, quick releases, and minimal handling-some fish just don't make it. Understanding the science behind stress and injury helps us make better choices about when and how to release our catch-or if releasing is even the best option at all.

3. Species-Specific Considerations

Not all fish are created equal when it comes to how they handle being caught and released. Some species bounce back quickly, while others suffer long-term effects or even die shortly after release. Understanding these differences is a big part of being an ethical angler.

Why Some Fish Are More Vulnerable

Certain biological traits make some fish less resilient to the stress of catch and release. Factors like body structure, sensitivity to handling, and oxygen needs can all impact survival rates. For example, deep-water species often suffer from barotrauma (injuries caused by rapid pressure changes), while others have delicate slime coatings that protect them from infection-coatings that can be damaged by improper handling.

Examples of High-Risk Species

Here's a look at some commonly caught fish in the U.S. and how well they typically fare with catch and release:

What This Means for Ethical Angling

If you're targeting a species known to be sensitive, it's worth thinking twice about catch and release. In some cases, keeping a legal catch may actually be the more humane option-especially if the fish is unlikely to survive the release. Being aware of species-specific risks helps you make informed choices that align with conservation goals and animal welfare.

Tips for Handling Vulnerable Species

Use barbless hooks: They cause less damage and make releases faster.

Avoid touching gills: Gills are fragile and essential for breathing.

Minimize air exposure: Try to keep the fish in water as much as possible.

Use proper tools: Dehookers or descending devices can save lives for deep-water species.

The Bottom Line on Species Awareness

The more you know about the fish youre targeting, the better decisions you can make on the water. Ethical fishing isnt just about following rules-its about respecting each species unique biology and doing your part to preserve healthy fish populations for future generations.

4. High-Pressure Waters and Repeated Catching

In many popular fishing destinations across the U.S., high angling pressure is becoming a growing concern. Lakes, rivers, and coastal areas that attract large numbers of anglers often see the same fish being caught multiple times throughout a season. While catch and release is intended to be a conservation-minded practice, it can unintentionally cause harm when fish are repeatedly targeted.

Understanding the Impact of Frequent Catching

When a fish is caught over and over again, even with proper handling techniques, it experiences stress and physical trauma. Hook wounds may not fully heal before the next encounter, and repeated handling can damage protective slime layers or even internal organs in more delicate species. These injuries may not be immediately fatal but can reduce the fish's ability to feed, avoid predators, or reproduce effectively.

Popular Spots Under Pressure

Heavily fished areas like stocked urban lakes or famous fly-fishing rivers such as Montana's Madison River or Colorado's South Platte often see intense fishing activity. This makes individual fish more likely to be caught multiple times within a short period.

Common Consequences of High Fishing Pressure

Is Catch and Release Always the Right Call?

This raises an ethical question for anglers: if we know a particular body of water is under heavy pressure and the same fish are being caught again and again, should we always default to catch and release? In some situations, it may be more humane to harvest a legal-sized fish rather than risk its decline through repeated trauma.

A Thoughtful Approach for Ethical Angling

Being mindful of how often we fish certain spots-and recognizing signs of overpressure-can help us make better decisions. Rotating fishing locations, limiting catch numbers even when practicing catch and release, or choosing less-pressured waters are all ways we can reduce harm while still enjoying the sport.

5. When Harvesting May Be the More Ethical Choice

Catch and release is often promoted as the most ethical practice in recreational fishing, but there are times when keeping a fish may actually be the more responsible decision. In some situations, releasing a fish can do more harm than good-especially if the fish is deeply hooked, bleeding, or overly stressed from the fight.

Understanding Fish Survival Rates

Not all released fish survive. Several factors affect whether a fish will live after being returned to the water, including:

Water temperature

Hook placement (deep gut hook vs. lip hook)

Handling time and method

Species-specific tolerance to stress

If you know that a fish has low chances of survival after being released, it might be more ethical to harvest it-assuming its within legal limits and seasons.

When Keeping a Fish Makes Sense

Here are common scenarios where keeping your catch could be the better choice:

Situation

Why Harvesting Is More Ethical

Fish is deeply hooked or bleeding heavily

The chances of survival are very low; wasting the fish serves no purpose

High water temperatures in summer months

Warm water holds less oxygen, increasing post-release mortality rates

Certain species with poor release survival (e.g., trout in warm water)

Keeping legally caught fish can prevent unnecessary suffering

You're already planning to eat fresh fish at home

Saves resources by using what you've responsibly caught instead of buying farmed or store-bought seafood

Responsible Harvesting Guidelines

If you choose to keep a fish, do it with care and respect for the resource. Follow these tips:

Know and follow all local regulations for size and bag limits

Dispatch the fish humanely and quickly to reduce suffering

Use as much of the fish as possible-fillets, bones for stock, etc.

Avoid waste by properly storing or freezing what you cant eat right away

A Balanced Approach to Conservation

Ethical fishing isn't about always releasing or always keeping-it's about making informed decisions based on each situation. Sometimes, letting that fish go is best. Other times, taking it home for dinner might be the smarter-and kinder-choice.

6. Conclusion: Toward Responsible and Informed Angling

While catch and release is widely promoted as the gold standard for conservation-minded fishing, it's important to recognize that it's not always the best or most ethical choice in every situation. Rather than sticking to a one-size-fits-all approach, anglers can make better decisions by considering the unique circumstances of each catch.

The Importance of Situational Awareness

Every fishery, species, and environment presents different challenges. Factors like water temperature, depth of catch, fish species, and handling time can all influence whether a released fish survives or suffers needlessly. It's not just about following rules-its about doing what's right for the fish and the ecosystem.

Common Scenarios Where Catch and Release May Not Be Ideal

Balancing Ethics, Science, and Sustainability

The key is to stay informed. Learn about local species, understand how environmental factors affect fish health, and be ready to adapt your practices. Sometimes harvesting a legal-sized fish for the table might be more ethical than releasing a dying one just to follow tradition.

Tips for Responsible Decision-Making:

Know your local regulations: Laws exist for good reason-follow them closely.

Educate yourself: Stay updated on best practices through reputable sources like fisheries departments and conservation groups.

Assess each catch individually: Use your judgment based on conditions, species, and fish health.

Avoid rigid thinking: Being flexible makes you a more ethical angler.

At the end of the day, responsible angling isn't about choosing between keeping or releasing-its about making thoughtful choices that respect both the fish and the future of our fisheries.

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Ethical Dilemmas: When Catch and Release May Not Be the Best Option - Go Fish Now

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Explore the ethical concerns of catch and release fishing. Learn when this practice may harm fish more than help, and discover responsible angling alternatives for protecting marine ecosystems.

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BassResource - The Ultimate Bass Fishing Resource Guide

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Catch And Release: Good Intention, Poor Outcome?

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Catch-and-release sounds great—but if you want trophy bass, selective harvest is often the better choice. Here’s why managing small bass is key to fishery success.

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To take a fish out of its body of water without releasing it back.

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To catch a fish and release it back to it's native body of water alive.

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Department of Natural Resources. Often times specific to 1 state.

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Short Reports - Catch and Release - Too Far?

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why catch and release isn’t always the best strategy

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Title used to refer to the people that inforce fishing and hunting laws.