Media contact:
— Nicholas Haddad, Return ‘Em Right program director, 352-327-1750, n.haddad@ufl.edu
Return ‘Em Right, the angler-led program dedicated to improving fish survival after release, today announced its expansion into the South Atlantic, bringing conservation-focused education and release tools to reef fish anglers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida’s east coast.
As recreational fishing participation continues to grow, Return ‘Em Right’s initiative aims to establish a broader culture of responsible fish handling and release practices.
“Thanks to the tremendous response from Gulf anglers, Return ‘Em Right has grown into a model for achieving meaningful conservation outcomes through education, outreach and the distribution of practical tools,” said Nicholas Haddad, Return ‘Em Right program director.
After completing a brief 15-minute online educational course, anglers who fish for reef fish in these states are now eligible to receive a free package of release gear when they cover shipping and handling fees.
The course provides anglers with essential information about barotrauma, a condition that can affect fish brought to the surface from deeper waters. Participants learn when and how to use descending devices, and other recommended release methods, to improve survival rates and support healthy reef fish populations.
“As charter captains and parents, we want our fisheries to remain healthy not just for today, but for future generations of anglers,” said Haley Stephens, owner and operator of Sea Spirit Charters in Ponce Inlet, Florida. “Conservation doesn’t stop at a state boundary. Whether you’re fishing in the Gulf or the South Atlantic, every released fish deserves the best possible chance to survive. Using descending devices and following best fishing practices helps fish return safely.”
The expansion builds on the program’s success with offshore conservation efforts throughout the Gulf of America extending access beyond the more than 50,000 anglers Return ‘Em Right has already equipped with proven conservation tools and training.
This access improves the reduction of discard mortality and maximizes released reef fish survival rates across state lines further supporting healthy reef fish populations and sustainable fisheries across the Southeast for future generations.
“Expanding into the South Atlantic is a natural next step. Anglers throughout the Southeast share many of the same fisheries, fishing practices and conservation values,” said Haddad. “By expanding access to training and gear, we’re helping build a stronger conservation ethic and ensuring more anglers have the resources they need to release fish the right way.”
Eligible anglers can complete the online training and learn more at returnemright.org.
ABOUT RETURN ‘EM RIGHT
Return ‘Em Right is an angler-focused conservation program dedicated to improving reef fish survival through education, outreach, and access to best-practice release tools. By teaching anglers how to recognize and address barotrauma and implement effective release techniques, the program helps support sustainable fisheries and healthy marine ecosystems throughout the Southeast United States.
ABOUT UF/IFAS
The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents.
