A review of contemporary science-based best practices for black bass tournament anglers, organizers, and regulators

Abstract Objective Live-release black bass Micropterus spp. tournaments are a popular recreational activity across their native and introduced ranges. There are two common live-release formats: a catch, weigh (or measure), and immediately release and the more traditional format where fish are captured, retained in a live well, weighed at a central location at the end of the day, and then released. These events are economically beneficial to host communities, yet there remains concern about certain practices that occur during live-release black bass tournaments with respect to their effects on the welfare of fish. Here, we critically assess the state of the contemporary science-based evidence surrounding the logistic (e.g., time of year, weigh-in process) and fish care (e.g., barotrauma relief techniques, live-well management) actions that are common in black bass tournaments. Methods By synthesizing the evidence base, we provide recommendations for anglers, regulators and tournament organizations to consider when making decisions in the best interest of the fish. Each topic was searched, and relevant studies on black bass live-release tournaments were included. Results Tournament organizations could be more diligent to avoid planning events before and during the black bass reproductive period (especially during parental care) and during the warmest months of the year, when water temperatures are the warmest. Bass boat manufacturers should include oxygen and temperature sensors within live wells, allowing anglers to have real-time information on live-well conditions. To that end, educating anglers on water quality parameters, the physiological requirements of black bass, and how to mitigate stress and mortality would be useful. Regulators could also consider being more engaged in monitoring black bass tournaments to ensure that best practices are embraced to ensure welfare of the fish. However, it is worth noting that newer catch, weigh (or measure), and release formats eliminate many of the issues with fish care that occur during retention and weigh-ins. Conclusions Given increasing pressures on black bass (e.g., more tournaments, better technology, climate change), a shift in the current social norms within the black bass tournament space could be considered to help ensure that black bass welfare is maintained during tournaments.