ICES Journal of Marine Science (2017), 74(1), 254–262. doi:10.1093/icesjms/fsw151 Original Article Consequences of catch-and-release angling for black bream Spondyliosoma cantharus, during the parental care period: implications for management Adrian C. Pinder1*, Randolph Velterop2, Steven J. Cooke3, and J. Robert Britton1 1Faculty of Science and Technology, Bournemouth University, Fern Barrow, Poole, Dorset BH12 5BB, UK 2Natural England, Renslade House, Exeter, UK 3Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biology, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Dr, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada *Corresponding author: tel: +44 (0) 1202 962574; e-mail:
[email protected]. Pinder, A. C., Velterop, R., Cooke, S. J., and Britton, J. R. 2016. Consequences of catch-and-release angling for black bream Spondyliosoma can- tharus, during the parental care period: implications for management. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 74: 254–262. Received 15 March 2016; revised 14 July 2016; accepted 5 August 2016; advance access publication 7 September 2016. Black sea bream Spondyliosoma cantharus is highly valued for its sporting and eating qualities. Due to its inshore spawning aggregations and male nest guarding behaviors, it is considered vulnerable to over-exploitation via recreational angling. Accordingly, greater uptake of the prac- tice of catch-and-release (C&R) may provide some potential to limit the effects of angling on populations. Thus, the consequences of C&R for 40 S. cantharus (mean length 306 6 10 mm) were assessed. Fish were sampled following their capture from charter boats by recreational anglers with varying levels of skill and experience. Of these fish, 17% were deeply hooked (e.g.