Recreational angler perceptions of the proper anatomical region to vent barotraumatized reef fish in the U.S. South Atlantic

ABSTRACT Objective Approaches to reduce discard mortality in fisheries that target physoclistous reef fishes in deep water are a priority. Venting is one approach, but we lack information on whether stakeholders know of this approach and, if so, whether they know how to use these tools properly. Our goal was to understand current recreational angler familiarity with the venting technique and their knowledge of proper versus improper anatomical regions for venting. Methods During 2023–2025, we conducted a survey of marine recreational anglers fishing aboard a North Carolina-based headboat targeting physoclistous reef fish from seafloor habitats in depths of about 25–50 m. Anglers were provided with lateral and ventral sketches of a popular Atlantic reef species (Red Snapper Lutjanus campechanus) experiencing barotrauma and were surveyed for their experience with venting. Respondents who had previously heard of venting were asked to mark a single location where they believed a fish should be vented, regardless of whether they had ever vented a fish before. Results Among all respondents, 59% had not heard of venting. Of anglers who had heard of venting (but inclusive of those who had applied venting and those who had not), 60% chose the proper region (laterally and immediately behind the pectoral fin) or likely proper region (abdomen). In contrast, improper venting regions, which included the everted stomach, dorsal musculature, and anus, were selected by 40% of respondents. Conclusions We concluded that there is a widespread lack of knowledge among marine recreational anglers about how to properly vent fish.