But then, science gets in the way. Single barbless and single barbed (at least flies) don't show a demonstrable difference in survival. It is easier to get a barbless hook out of a fish, friend, or myself but the data don't show a benefit to the fish.

There was a really interesting study, on ID trout, that used barbed flies, circle-hook bait, and treble-hooked lures. And, they studied survival over months rather than days. Best was flies, marginally worse was bait, and way worse was the trebles.

I believe that single barbless, lures only, is probably the socially and politically best way to go, coupled with mandatory non-removal from the water but there do exist alternatives that are as effective at releasing live fish.

Back when I worked with regs, I believe that the application of scent was considered "bait".