PROGRAM REPORT 2023
CELEBRATING SUCCESS PARTNERS
Improving reef fish survival by equipping anglers with the knowledge and gear to confidently and successfully release reef fish.
ANNUAL REPORT HIGHLIGHTS THE ‘RETURN ‘EM RIGHT’ IMPACT ON GULF REEF FISH
We are thrilled to share the strides made by Return ‘Em Right in improving the survival of reef fish in the Gulf of Mexico during this past year. Our commitment to sustainable fishing practices has helped foster a sense of responsibility and stewardship within the fishing community.
Education has been a cornerstone of our efforts, and this past year we launched a new education module that was completed by over 17,000 anglers. We have empowered anglers with the knowledge and tools to successfully handle and release reef fish through workshops, seminars, and educational materials.
By collecting data on release techniques, post-release survival rates, and surveying our community, we have been able to fine-tune our strategies and maximize our impact. This data-driven approach ensures that our efforts are evidence-based and adaptive to the dynamic needs of Gulf of Mexico reef ecosystems.
Perhaps most gratifying has been the overwhelmingly positive response from the fishing community. Anglers, charter captains, and industry stakeholders have embraced our mission, recognizing the importance of conservation in preserving the Gulf’s rich fisheries resources. Their enthusiasm and support have been instrumental in driving our progress and amplifying our reach.
VISION GOALS
To foster a lasting community of engaged anglers that supports the future health of Gulf of Mexico fisheries.
Core project partners include Florida Sea Grant, University of Florida, Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission, NOAA Restoration Center and a coalition of anglers, industry groups, state agencies, universities, government, and nongovernmental organizations committed to maintaining healthy fish stocks and fishing access in the Gulf of Mexico.
FUNDING
To reduce mortality in reef fish resulting from barotrauma and release, improve anglers’ experiences with release gear and improve the overall health of reef fisheries.
This $30 million, eight-year project is funded by Deepwater Horizon Open Ocean Trustee Implementation Group as part of the 2019 Open Ocean Restoration Plan. Reef fish species were substantially harmed by the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill - Return ‘Em Right helps support their restoration.
Looking ahead, we are filled with optimism and a sense of purpose. With continued collaboration and innovation, we believe that we can build upon our successes and further enhance the resilience of Gulf of Mexico reef fish populations. Together, we have the power to shape a future where sustainable fishing practices are the norm, and the health of our oceans thrives.
As we navigate into the future, we will remain dedicated in our commitment to responsible fishing. Together, we can ensure that future generations inherit a Gulf of Mexico teeming with life and vitality.
Thank you for your unwavering support and dedication to our shared vision.
Tight lines, Return ‘Em Right Team
Completion
IMPROVED EDUCATION MODEL LAUNCHED WITH UPDATED CONTENT AND TIPS
ANGLERS RECEIVED GEAR IN 2023 17,433 98% 99% 93%
In 2023, the Return ‘Em Right team revised the education module teaching anglers best release practices for reef fish. Upgrades were driven by feedback from angler surveys conducted in 2022 and include easier navigation, new instructional videos, descending tips and tricks, and discard mortality insights.
GEAR DISTRIBUTED FROM EDUCATION MODULE COMPLETIONS
2022:11,273
RUNNING TOTAL
28,706
2023:17,433
Private Recreational Anglers
16,892 + 55% OVER 2022
Charter Captains
OVER 541 + 52%
EDUCATION MODULE FOLLOW-UP SURVEY STATS
have a better understanding of descending devices as an option to return fish to depth.
have a better understanding of barotrauma and its impact on fish, as well as improved knowledge of venting techniques. are likely to recommend training to others (88% extremely likely).
KEY COLLABORATIONS
GUIDING CHOICES TO MAXIMIZE SURVIVABILITY
Return ‘Em Right published its Best Release Practices Manual, developed in collaboration with private anglers, captains, scientists, and fisheries managers, to help anglers improve the survival of reef fish caught and released.
SUCCESS IS COLLECTIVE
The early growth of Return ‘Em Right speaks to the critical importance of partnerships. Uniting fishermen, natural resource experts, and industry groups has enabled a uniform sense of buy-in for best release practice use. This collaborative spirit not only expanded the program’s reach but also reinforced a collective commitment to marine conservation.
Collaborating with Saltwater Sportsman Adventures and YouTube content creators greatly expanded the reach of the Return ‘Em Right brand. The videos from two offshore trips amassed over 16 million views and drove over 3,300 education module completions from YouTube alone.
LEVERAGING
AN INFLUENTIAL PARTNERSHIP TO DRIVE AWARENESS WITH OVER 16 MILLION VIEWS.
AND EDUCATION OUTREACH
The team at Return ‘Em Right is committed to reaching anglers where they are whether that’s television, radio, magazines, podcasts, trade shows, fishing clubs, tournaments and more.
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presentations at fishing clubs, charter associations, boat shows, professional conferences, and other outlets.
podcasts & radio shows, including the Tom Rowland podcast, Great Days Outdoors podcast, Reel Animals Radio Show, Hubbard’s Marina Live Facebook Fishing Show and more.
editorials from publications such as Saltwater Sportsman and Texas Saltwater Fishing Magazine. These articles addressed key issues regarding venting and descending bottom fish and offered guidance, debunked myths about barotrauma, and promoted sustainable fishing practices.
social media channels—Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X—were leveraged to greatly increase our following, impressions, reach, and engagements, showcasing the powerful impact of our social media presence.
in-person tabling events including iCAST, Mobile Boat Show and the Biloxi Boat Show.
COMMUNITY RESPONSE
“Awesome program!! Thanks for making me a better angler and custodian of our ocean’s wildlife!
I will pass this forward.”
“Good information for responsible anglers.”
“As Anglers it’s our responsibility to protect our fisheries. Return ‘Em Right - it’s the right thing to do.”
“Great information on ensuring survival of fish caught at depth.”
“This is the best training course that I have encountered about saving species and creating a better fishing future for the next generation.”
“An excellent device that every fisherman should have in the boat. Many fish will be saved.”
During our trip the charter caught over 20 red snapper. I was responsible for returning the fish with the Return ‘Em Right equipment. On previous trips we would “vent” the fish with most floating off and dying. The equipment you provided me has eliminated the fish mortality, as best as I can tell.
BEHAVIOR SHIFTING
ANGLERS
DESCENDING DEVICE USE SURGES BY
74%
EMBRACE NEW TOOLS: POST-PROGRAM PARTICIPATION!
In 2023, Return ‘Em Right surveyed program participants after they received their release gear. The feedback from our community drives changes to our education module, release gear package, and helps inform our outreach materials. Below are some of the primary findings:
Anglers used venting tools often (63%) but rarely used descending devices (20%). PRE-PROGRAM
Venting tool use decreased (40%), while descending device usage significantly rose (74%). POST-PROGRAM
MEASURING IMPACT
CONCLUSION
Anglers participating in Return ‘Em Right have shifted their release method preference away from venting towards the use of descending devices, and plan to continue to do so in the future.
DIGGING DEEPER
RETURN ‘EM RIGHT FUNDED RESEARCH
Return ‘Em Right funding has been instrumental in advancing critical research aimed at enhancing the sustainability of fisheries through improved release practices.
University of Florida | West Florida Shelf
Estimating seasonal release mortality of descended gag grouper
Five 16-receiver acoustic arrays were deployed around artificia reefs and natural hardbottom off the coast of Steinhatchee, Florida. 70 gags were tagged in the winter of 2023. However, Hurricane Idalia displaced the arrays, delaying summer tagging.
Auburn University | Mississippi and Alabama Coast
Comparing release mortality and survival of red snapper across depth zones and release types
This project evaluates the survival of red snapper caught at depths ranging from 24-44 meters and released using three different methods. Over 700 red snapper were tagged and released using conventional dart tags, and more than 200 of those were recaptured. An additional 79 red snapper were tagged and released with external transmitters to monitor their movement patterns after being caught and released.
Mississippi State University | Gulf-Wide
Evaluating depredation rates of released reef fish
The project documents depredation rates on descending fishes across the U.S. Gulf of Mexico and identifies species responsible for depredation. Thus far, more than 1,000 fish descents have been recorded by charter-for-hire captains and the project team, and approximately two-thirds of those have been scored.
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries | Louisiana Coast
Comparing efficiency of release methods, characterizing depredation, and surveying anglers’ device type preferences
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has been observing the immediate outcomes from use of fish descending devices (FDDs) where sharks and other predators are present. FDDs have demonstrated their effectiveness for minimizing post-release predation of red snapper, gray triggerfish and greater amberjack. Preliminary results from 168 observed releases have recorded very few occurrences of predation on released fish.
ENHANCING RESPONSIBLE FISHING
THROUGH DATA-DRIVEN PRACTICES
Return ‘Em Right partners with state programs to standardize collection methods, enhance sampling, and tag priority reef fish during for-hire fishing trips.
GULF OF MEXICO AT-SEA OBSERVER PROGRAM
In 2023, state personnel observed and collected data on 585 for-hire fishing trips across Mississippi, Alabama and Florida. Over 9,000 reef fish were tagged and released during observed trips in 2023.
STATE REEF FISH SURVEYS
State partners are helping to collect information to improve our understanding of the use of different handling and release practices through SnapperCheck, Tails n’ Scales, and Florida’s State Reef Fish Survey. In 2023, private and for-hire anglers were surveyed on over 1000 trips throughout Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida.
SOUTHEAST REGION HEADBOAT SURVEY
The Southeast Region Headboat Survey collects data on reef fish caught and released across the Gulf and South Atlantic. Florida’s West Coast led with 6,243 trips, followed by Texas with 1,814 trips, Alabama with 622 trips, and Mississippi/Louisiana with 276 trips, totaling 8,955 trips across all states. Out of the total 451,039 released fish, 150,640 were descended or vented, with notable differences in rates among states.
11,000 OVER RECREATIONAL ANGLING TRIPS SURVEYED
2024 OUTLOOK: EXPANDING & STRENGTHENING RETURN ‘EM RIGHT
Looking ahead into 2024, Return ‘Em Right is committed to expanding and strengthening the program in key areas:
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INCREASE access to education efforts. The Return ‘Em Right team aims to translate educational materials to other languages, particularly Spanish, to reach diverse audiences.
INVEST in angling through strategic partnerships with tournaments, tackle shops and industry leaders. By collaborating with these trusted stakeholders, Return ‘Em Right aims to foster a culture of responsible fishing practices and conservation.
BROADEN monitoring efforts into the western Gulf of Mexico, specifically by providing support for observer programs in other Gulf states. This will help build a more complete picture of the program’s impact on the health of Gulf fisheries.
Return ‘Em Right is seeking opportunities to expand the reach and impact of our program. Whether through new partnerships, innovative initiatives, or enhanced outreach efforts, we remain committed to advancing the sustainability of Gulf of Mexico reef fish populations.
