T. Reid Nelson, Assistant Professor, Environmental Science and Policy, College of Science; Faculty Fellow, Potomac Environmental Research and Education Center (PEREC), is conducting a study on striped bass to better understand the environmental and human factors that influence their mortality following catch and release.
A central focus of his work is catch‑and‑release mortality (CRM). Although CRM is often treated as a fixed nine-percent rate, mortality varies widely based on salinity, temperature, gear type, hooking location, fish handling practices, and angler experience. As a result, the static nine‑percent assumption is likely inaccurate across many real-world conditions.
A more precise understanding of CRM is essential for effective fisheries management—both to protect striped bass populations and to avoid unnecessary economic impacts on coastal communities and recreational fishing industries. Nelson’s study aims to generate that improved estimate by assessing CRM throughout all seasons of the year.
Nelson received $152,708 from the American Saltwater Guides Association for this research. Funding began in June 2026 and will end in late Aug. 2028.
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