Most research on catch-and-release (C&R) in recreational fishing has been conducted from a disciplinary angle focusing on the biological sciences and the study of hooking mortality after release. This hampers understanding of the complex and multifaceted nature of C&R. In the present synopsis, we develop an integrative perspective on C&R by drawing on historical, philosophical, socio-psychological, biological, and managerial insights and perspectives. Such a perspective is helpful for a variety of reasons, such as 1) improving the science supporting successful fisheries management and conservation, 2) facilitating dialogue between managers, anglers, and other stakeholders, 3) minimizing conflict potentials, and 4) paving the path toward sustainable recreational fisheries management. The present work highlights the array of cultural, institutional, psychological, and biological factors and dimensions involved in C&R. Progress toward successful treatment of C&R might be enhanced by acknowledging the complexity inherent in C&R recreational fishing

Anthropogenic modifications to aquatic ecosystems have altered connecting pathways within, and in some cases, between watersheds. Human structures, such as hydroelectric facilities, often impede fish migrations and may inflict heavy mortality on fish that become impinged or entrained. Conversely, an increase in connectivity between two waterways (e.g., through the construction of shipping canals, increased boat traffic) often results in an elevated risk of invasive species introductions. Non-physical barriers, which obstruct fish from an undesirable location without influencing the waterway, are one management approach to protecting valuable fish stocks and deterring biological invasions. Because many methods of behavioral deterrence have been employed against fish, there is a need to summarize and compare existing and developing technologies. This review details the use and application of electrical, visual, acoustic, chemical, and hydrological deterrence techniques that may be used to prevent fish movements. Site requirements are discussed, and a critical assessment of benefits and limitations to each technique are given. Because no single method of fish deterrence is “one size fits all”, this review to non-physical fish barrier technology will benefit managers and researchers attempting to develop a best-fit strategy on a case-by-case basis.

There is growing evidence that maternal experience influences offspring via non-genetic mechanisms. When female three-spined sticklebacks ( Gasterosteus aculeatus ) were exposed to the threat of predation, they produced larger eggs with higher cortisol content, which consumed more oxygen shortly after fertilization compared with a control group. As juveniles, the offspring of predator-exposed mothers exhibited tighter shoaling behaviour, an antipredator defence. We did not detect an effect of maternal exposure to predation risk on the somatic growth of fry. Altogether, we found that exposure to an ecologically relevant stressor during egg formation had several long-lasting consequences for offspring, some of which might be mediated by exposure to maternally derived cortisol. These results support the hypothesis that female sticklebacks might influence the development, growth and behaviour of their offspring via eggs to match their future environment.