I believe we are talking about hook and release mortalities in the open ocean. The studies Dr. eyeFISH refer to are from Alaskan studies involving fish handled in the estuary. From a number of studies it is clear that before or once they move above the estuary (scales become set) the handling mortality is significantly lower.

For those that may have an interest here is a link to the summary upon which NMFC based its recommendations -

http://swfsc.noaa.gov/publications/FED/00080.pdf

I did find it interest in the 1993 WDFW et al study the tribes were co-authors. Does anyone think that tribes or other critic of selective fishing (most states) would buy into finds/rates that are not sufficiently supported by the data?

Curt