Jessica Martinez

September 26, 2005

Catching and Releasing Equaling Cruelty?

As a resident of Pennsylvania, it is legitimate to state that they are several bodies of water such as: lakes, rivers, and ponds. Many use the water as a tool for recreation or leisure. Clearly, I am alluding to fishing. In several areas, there is a ‘catch and release policy’, which is very direct in understanding. One can catch the fish, bring it back up to the surface to unhook the line, and immediately throw it back to its habitat. This is a very reasonable deal, whereas in some areas, one simply catches the game to take it home for dinner. Catch and release is certainly lawful in particular areas that state so, and it is not cruelty to animals.

As the daughter of an avid fisherman, I am able to make a rational argument. Is catch and release fishing a form of cruelty to animals? No, it is not for several reasons, despite what many animal lovers may say or think. According to Webster, cruelty is defined as “something, such as a cruel act or remark, that causes pain or suffering.” When thinking about certain circumstances to associate with cruelness, one may think of abusing a child, causing physical pain. Disrespecting a minority with harsh words or service in an industry of hospitality, is liable to cause emotional pain or suffering for the guest. A final circumstance may include involvement in a hit and run accident, allowing the guiltless driver to feel physical and emotional pain. As many can see, the all provided examples are illegal in the United States.

Dr. James Rose, a professor of zoology and physiology at the University of Wyoming, spent 30 years studying and observing brain function and reaction to pain in various animals including fish. The American Fisheries Society, comprised of fish-culture experts, scientists, biologists, and fisheries managers invited Dr. Rose to join the elite team. Together, the organization accumulated a great deal of data pertaining to this particular study. The neo-cortex, a specialized cortex located in the brain, is very large in humans. It is because of this area, humans are capable of feeling pain or suffering. The Rose study found that fish do not possess this part, and they are incapable of experiencing emotions such as pain or fear. They do have receptors in their lips, and are aware of the situation, but the sudden instinct to flop around, and squirm is not due to pain. Like humans, they want to survive, and when they are taken out of their environment, it is merely natural to fight to return to their surroundings (Ellis).

Another reason to signify that catch and release is not cruel, is the law behind it. In reference to Webster yet again, cruelty is defined in another way, “the quality or condition of being cruel.” Well, what is cruel? Cruel- “adj 1: lacking or showing kindness or compassion or mercy.” By releasing the fish we are showing compassion and mercy. It would indeed be cruelty to catch the fish, unhook it from it’s lip, and stuff it in the cooler as a prize. The Fish and Game Commission would not have created such a rule if fish were just senseless objects, but they are animals. The majority of society respects animals, for many families have them as pets in their homes.

Not only have sportsman made it an effort to savor the fish, but also they have ingeniously created items for purchase on the market, lessening the damage, if caught. To prevent the mouth from being damaged or torn, there are barbless hooks. When the hook is taken out by the angler, barbless hooks reduce jaw and throat injuries. This is key, for it is ordinary that the same fish will be caught more than one time in it’s lifetime. If the angler used a barbed hook, there would be a chance of damage, so that each time after, the injury would just worsen. Instead, the fish can be caught several times without harm (Manns).

Anglers provide several sources of information on how to leave the fish unharmed once caught, exemplifying kindness not cruelty. Be gentle. Do not squeeze or touch the gills or eyes. Immediately after unhooking the fish, place it back into the water. Hold it in swimming position, moving back and forth until it is able to swim away. If the hook is deep in a fragile area, use bronzed hooks instead of stainless or gold-plated hooks. Bronzed hooks disintegrate quicker. There are several methods one can keep in mind, to preserve the fish. This is not merciless in any way, for the fish are being released in an appropriate manner (Tips for Catching).

Several sports or activities require contact between two things, whether it be the ball, another person etc. Angling fits into that category of contact. It is merely a sport, leisure, and/or recreational activity. There should not be any pessimistic views because many find it as enjoyable, or a hobby. Several may agree that it is used as a form of relaxation. Picture it: a cool Sunday morning, sitting on a boat with your son or daughter and a nice cup of hot coffee, with a fresh morning breeze just fishing away. It sounds pleasant, does it not? The best part, is that there is no harm done in catching and releasing. According to the FWC scientists of Florida, a recent study showed that 98% of snook caught by anglers survived (Survival Studies). There is no pain or suffering, and there is no cruelty.

In conclusion, the catching and releasing policy does not qualify as cruelty. It does not fit either of the definitions given by Webster, and the facts provided support this argument. Fish do not have a neo-cortex, which is the area specializing in pain and suffering. Therefore, they cannot feel pain and suffering when caught. In fact, we are doing just the opposite, showing compassion by throwing them back into the water. One is capable of acquiring countless objects on the market to benefit the fish, such as barbless hooks, which prevent damage in the mouth. Also, by handling the fish with care, they will survive and carry on just as they were before being caught. Catching and releasing does not equal cruelty.