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There
are many sound reasons for releasing the majority of the fish caught. The
first and primary reason is a concern
for
the depletion of fishery resources. Voluntarily reducing the number of
fish kept will have an immediate effect on local
resources.
Since the Goleta Pier and Slough are nurseries for many species adjacent
fisheries would also be supported
as
well.
There
is an additional concern regarding the amount of locally caught fish safe
to consume. The California Department of
Fish
and Game (DFG) provides a
standard
of consumption which it believes to be prudent. The daily Logs also
chart the
variable
Water
Quality as one way of determing times of increased risk.
Finally
there is an evolving consciousness among sport anglers favoring the taking
of photgraphs to document various
catches
in preference to keeping the fish itself as a 'trophy'.
I favor
the use of Circle Hooks which are designed to hook in the corner
of the mouth rather than being swallowed thus
reducing
the amount of incidental damage and facilitating a 'cleaner' release.