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Angling gear avoidance learning in juvenile red sea bream: evidence from individual-based experiments
Kohji Takahashi1, Reiji Masuda2
1Maizuru Fisheries Research Station, Kyoto University, Maizuru, Kyoto 625-0086, Japan ta.kohji@gmail.com.
The Journal of Experimental Biology
|February 2, 2021
Summary
Fish learn to avoid angling gear after just one or two catches, reducing their vulnerability. This avoidance learning in caught-and-released fish impacts catchability and stock assessments.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral ecology
- Fisheries science
- Animal learning
Background:
- Angling gear avoidance learning is hypothesized to affect caught-and-released fish vulnerability.
- Previous studies lacked individual verification and detailed insights into avoidance learning mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate angling gear avoidance learning in individual red sea bream (Pagrus major) juveniles.
- To determine the specificity and duration of learned avoidance behaviors.
Main Methods:
- Individual-based experiments were conducted on red sea bream juveniles.
- Fish were exposed to controlled angling events to assess avoidance learning.
- Feeding motivation and memory retention were evaluated post-exposure.
Main Results:
- Red sea bream juveniles demonstrated avoidance learning after one or two angling encounters.
- Fish specifically avoided baited hooks, not the bait alone or proximity to gear.
- Learned avoidance reduced angling vulnerability, with memory persisting for up to two months.
Conclusions:
- Catch-and-release angling can induce specific avoidance learning in fish.
- This learned behavior significantly reduces catchability and may compromise fishery-dependent stock assessments.
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