A few more citizen scientists still needed for FWC barotrauma tool study

Attention reef fish anglers: The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is still seeking volunteer anglers and charter/headboat captains to take part in a descending-device citizen science study. Interested person's are asked to take the general screening questions as soon as possible. 

After the initial survey questions are answered, randomly-selected participants will then be sent a second link to watch a tutorial on descending devices, complete an initial evaluation, and test a descending device during the trial period from July 1, through Sept. 30, 2017. When the trial period ends, participants must complete a detailed post-evaluation about their experience by Oct. 15. Preliminary results of the evaluation will be available in late 2017.

Have you already taken the survey?  If you did not receive an email with a link to a second survey, your screening survey may not have been received. If you are still interested in participating, please click the link above to complete the survey again. Please make sure to complete the entire survey and double check to make sure your correct contact information is provided. We apologize for any inconvenience.  

More on the study

Descending devices are tools used to recompress the swim bladder and increase a fish’s chance of survival when they cannot be kept and are experiencing barotrauma (swim bladder expansion when a fish is brought up from depths greater than 50 feet). Signs of barotrauma include the stomach coming out of the mouth, bulging eyes, bloated belly and distended intestines.

As a citizen science partner, you will test a descending device and help identify the benefits and drawbacks of using this tool when fishing in deeper waters. The information from all participants will be pooled to identify why some anglers might not use these tools. Your valuable feedback will be used to inform and improve efforts to increase the survival of caught and released reef fish.

To learn more about barotrauma, visit our YouTube channel at MyFWC.com/SaltwaterFishing.  For additional information, call 850-487-0554 or email Marine@MyFWC.com.