Catch and release in shark fishing is considered animal-friendly, but studies show: the practice causes stress, injuries, and high mortality.
Catch and Release in Sharks – A Critical Examination
Catch and Release, the act of catching and subsequently releasing, is seen by many recreational anglers as a gentle method to return sharks alive. The assumption: the shark swims away unharmed. However, scientific studies show that this is often not the case.
What Does ‘Catch and Release’ Mean for Sharks?
In catch and release, sharks are caught with fishing hooks, pulled to the boat or shore, and then released alive. This practice is particularly common in the USA and Australia, whereas it is prohibited in Germany under the Animal Welfare Act. On the US East Coast alone, over 66 million sharks were caught by recreational anglers in a decade, most of which were released.
Physical and Psychological Effects on Sharks
For the shark, being caught means massive stress: the struggle exhausts it, leading to oxygen deprivation, lactic acidosis, and shock. Hook injuries are common; some sharks carry hooks in their mouths or stomachs for months. Studies show that post-release mortality rates vary significantly by species. Sensitive species like hammerheads or blacktip reef sharks often die in over 50% of cases, while more resilient species like tiger sharks have significantly higher survival rates.
Ecological Consequences and Trophic Cascades
Sharks are apex predators and regulate marine ecosystems. If a significant proportion die after catch and release, it acts like hidden fishing pressure. For endangered species, even a small additional mortality rate can prevent population recovery. Moreover, local declines can trigger chain reactions in the ecosystem, as seen in the food web changes in South Africa following the decline of great white sharks.
Critical Voices from Conservation and Science
The German Animal Welfare Federation clearly labels catch and release as animal cruelty. Marine biologists like Neil Hammerschlag (University of Miami) warn that many sharks do not survive release. Organisations like the Shark Trust call for strict regulations and codes of conduct for anglers. Critics emphasise: recreational enjoyment does not justify the stress and mortality of the animals.
Alternatives and Recommendations
- Avoid shark fishing as a hobby—encounters while diving or snorkelling are more animal-friendly.
- Use gentle fishing methods (circle hooks, no barbs, spearfishing, keep sharks in the water).
- Keep fight time and handling as short as possible.
- Use revival aids in the water until the shark swims actively again.
- Involve anglers in scientific projects instead of trophy hunting.
Conclusion
Catch and release in sharks is by no means as harmless as often portrayed. The practice causes significant stress, injuries, and not infrequently the death of the animals. From an ecological and ethical perspective, it remains highly problematic. For divers and shark enthusiasts, there is an alternative: experiencing the fascination of sharks respectfully through observation in their natural habitat, without hooks.