Fish Population Dynamic and Stock Assessment

10.4.4.4. Prevention of waste

In fisheries, there were no early regulations designed to protect spawning females and young fish. Common sense led to regulations to prevent capture of animals in poor condition, such as some crustaceans immediately after moulting. Other regulations attempt to prevent gluts of fish in excess of the ability of facilities to handle them or catches by recreational fishermen in excess of their ability to consume them. An increasingly common regulation in some sports fisheries is a requirement for barbless hooks, which allow release of small fish with less risk of injury.