Weighing a fish is OK
Social media ran hot when news of Australia’s first grander blue
marlin hit the internet. As Dr Pepperell explains, although many
were misguided in their criticism, we anglers need to build our
‘social licence’ to be able to continue gamefishing into the future.I
n addition to an article by Ben Knaggs on the first official capture of an Australian grander
blue marlin off Exmouth, the last issue of BlueWater also featured my column on the ageing
of a 564.7kg blue marlin caught off Honolulu, Hawaii. It struck me that, in the case of the
Exmouth fish, news of the capture was met in some quarters with howls of protest, while
the story of the Hawaiian fish was seen in a very
favourable light. It is therefore helpful to consider
what caused that difference.Prior to the advent of social media, occasional protests
over the capture of a big fish were sometimes published
in the form of letters to the editor of newspapers. Now,
a single photo can be shared hundreds or thousands
of times way beyond the intended audience, at times
precipitating angry responses from all over the world.
Such responses are nearly always from the non-fishing public, who nevertheless feel they are
entitled to comment, especially in relation to whether or not an angler has a right to catch and
land, and yes, kill a fish.The general approval by the public of an activity is known as ‘social licence’ and is an important
factor in the case of recreational fishing. One definition of the term is given as follows:“A social licence to undertake a particular activity is granted by stakeholders, associated with
the activity or the general community. It is the community approval to undertake a particular
activity and is based on the beliefs, perceptions and opinions held by stakeholders in a resource
or a project”.At least in Australia, gamefishing is generally considered acceptable when it is for the
purposes of catching fish for a feed, and if the activity is seen as beneficial to individuals or to
the wider community. Conversely, it is viewed far less favourably if it is seen to be contributing
to overfishing or harming endangered species – and much less so if the fish are subjected to
undue stress or pain. With this in mind, let me try then to consider the main criticisms of killing
a large marlin and respond to them in turn.Taking a large marlin is often condemned since big fish produce lots of eggs. However, more
than 200,000 blue marlin are killed every year by commercial fishing in the Indian Ocean, so
taking that grander blue off Exmouth – even though it was a large female – could hardly have
a significant effect.Other biologically based arguments have included claims that the fish was very old (often
stated to be up to 100 years old), or that the species is endangered. Again, simple fact checking
would reveal that a 450kg blue marlin would be around 10 to 15 years old (no older than a 5kg
snapper) and that no species of marlin is endangered.Ethics and emotion can also diminish social licence. For example, contentions that the fish was
tortured and that it died for no good reason. While the latter argument is definitely countered
if the fish is to be eaten, it is more difficult to counter the claim in regards to pain and stress.
However, this argument applies to all forms of fishing and there is sufficient scientific evidence
to raise significant doubts as to whether fish are even capable of feeling pain in the way that
we understand it.Positive aspects of landing large fish that might enhance social licence include the healthy
lifestyle of fishing and the generation of socio-economic benefits to local communities. Any
involvement in scientific research that assists fisheries management also gives a catch social
credibility, which is why the story of the Hawaiian grander blue marlin was such a positive one.There is no getting away from the fact that fishing does kill fish, but there is also no doubt that
fishing – gamefishing included – can and does have social, economic and biological benefits.To be able to continue gamefishing into the future, it is up to those who undertake the activity
to build on their social licence with the general community.DR PEPPERELL
DR JULIAN PEPPERELL is
a recognised world authority
on billfish and other pelagic
species. He is especially well-
known for developing the
Australian gamefish tagging
program. Julian formed his
own research company in
1991 and conducts research
in partnership with universities,
government and the private
sector. He is also an adjunct
professor at several Australian
universities. He provides a
rare gift in his ability to bridge
the gap between the scientific
community and recreational
anglers.
“Fishing can and does
havesocial,economicand
biological benefits.”
22 facebook.com/BlueWatermagazine