Advancing Healthier Fisheries Across the Southeast
By: Nick Haddad
Recreational fishing is a cornerstone of coastal communities, and responsible angling practices are essential to ensure the long-term sustainability of reef fish populations. One of the simplest efforts anglers can do to support healthy fisheries is to take care of the fish they release by giving each fish its best chance to grow, spawn and be caught again. Return ‘Em Right helps anglers do just that by equipping them with the knowledge and gear to improve survival of released reef fish suffering from barotrauma. The program is now expanding its reach beyond the Gulf of America into the South Atlantic region, including North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. This expansion marks a major milestone in advancing science-based best release practices and empowering anglers to play a direct role in conservation.
What Is Return ‘Em Right?
Launched on May 3, 2022, Return ‘Em Right was designed to tackle a critical issue in recreational fishing: catch-and-release mortality in reef fish. When reef fish are brought up from deep water, they can suffer from barotrauma, a pressure-related condition that significantly reduces survival rates. Although barotrauma can look gruesome, using proper release techniques and gear can significantly improve release survival of these fish.
Return ‘Em Right was created to address this challenge head-on by:
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- Educating anglers on best release practices.
- Providing free, high-quality release gear.
- Promoting behavior change across the fishing community.
Since its launch, more than 50,000 anglers in the Gulf have completed RER’s online training and received tools to release fish safely. This widespread participation is helping to reduce unnecessary fish mortality and support healthier reef ecosystems.
Why Expand to the South Atlantic?
The decision to bring Return ‘Em Right to the South Atlantic is both strategic and necessary. Fishing communities across the Southeast are deeply connected, and knowledge, practices, and traditions often move freely between regions.
By expanding into North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia, Return ‘Em Right aims to:
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- Standardize best release practices across a broader geographic area.
- Reduce discard mortality in key reef fish species.
- Strengthen collaboration between anglers, scientists, and policymakers.
This regional approach ensures that conservation messaging is consistent and that anglers across state lines are equipped with the same tools and knowledge.
A Collaborative Conservation Effort
Return ‘Em Right’s expansion isn’t just about reaching more anglers—it’s about building partnerships.
The Return ‘Em Right team is actively working with:
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- State and federal agencies
- Universities and research institutions
- Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
- Local fishing communities and stakeholders
These collaborations are essential to delivering accurate, science-based information and maximizing the program’s impact. Together, these partners share a common goal: healthier fisheries and reduced discard mortality.
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How South Atlantic Anglers Can Participate
Anglers fishing in the South Atlantic can now take advantage of Return ‘Em Right’s free training and discounted gear program. Getting started is simple:
Complete the Online Training
A quick, user-friendly 15-minute course that covers barotrauma, fish handling, and proper release techniques.
Receive Discounted Release Gear
After completing the training, eligible anglers receive a link to purchase a release kit valued at $100 for only the cost of shipping and handling (approximately $12).
What’s Included in the RER Release Kit?
The Return ‘Em Right release kit is designed for ease of use and efficiency, making it simple for anglers to incorporate best practices into every trip. The kit includes:
SeaQualizer Descending Device
The device comes pre-rigged with a 3-pound weight and 3-way swivel, allowing fish to safely return to depth, relieving barotrauma
Backup Inverted Hook Device
This setup provides an alternative method for descending fish, ensuring that anglers are always prepared, even in fast-paced fishing conditions. The pre-rigged design minimizes setup time and encourages consistent use on the water.
Promoting a Culture of Responsible Fishing
With its expansion into the South Atlantic, Return ‘Em Right is poised to make an even bigger difference. By continuing to educate anglers, provide essential tools, and foster regional collaboration, Return ‘Em Right is helping to shape a future where conservation and recreation go hand in hand.
The Future of Return ‘Em Right
If you fish in North Carolina, South Carolina, or Georgia, now is the perfect time to get involved. Take the free 15-minute training to get your discounted release kit and join a growing community committed to healthier fisheries.
