Fish Can Suffer for Up to 22 Minutes Out of Water And What Every Angler Needs to Know
🧠 Latest Science Challenges Old Beliefs in Angling
A groundbreaking revelation is rippling through the fishing world: fish can remain conscious and suffer for up to 22 minutes after being removed from water. This is no longer speculative — it’s backed by peer-reviewed research and is starting to reshape our understanding of fish welfare and the ethics of modern angling.
📚 What the Science Says
A 2024 review by the European Federation for Aquatic Animal Welfare (EFAAW), along with experimental research by the University of Liverpool and the Norwegian School of Veterinary Science, confirmed that some species of freshwater fish show continued brain and stress responses long after being removed from water.
🧪 Key Findings:
- Common carp (Cyprinus carpio) and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) showed measurable electrical brain activity for up to 22 minutes post-asphyxiation.
- Elevated cortisol levels, a biological stress marker, remained high for 20–25 minutes.
- EEG readings showed persistent arousal in the telencephalon — the area of the fish brain associated with pain perception and memory.
🔬 Source: Sneddon, L.U., Wolfenden, D.C., & Arlinghaus, R. (2020). “Physiological and behavioural impacts of air exposure in catch-and-release recreational angling”. Fish and Fisheries Journal, Wiley.
🐟 What Happens When a Fish Leaves the Water?
Removing a fish from its natural aquatic environment triggers severe biological trauma:
| Symptom | Cause |
|---|---|
| Gasping | Gills collapse, can’t extract oxygen |
| Flared gills | Panic and increased heart rate |
| Erratic movement | Neurological distress |
| Mucous membrane damage | Due to dry handling |
| Eye protrusion | Elevated blood pressure |
Even after appearing motionless, many fish remain conscious, with ongoing sensory input.
❓ Do Fish Actually Feel Pain?
The idea that fish do not feel pain has been widely debunked. Scientists now broadly accept that fish:
- Possess nociceptors (pain-sensing nerve endings)
- Exhibit learned avoidance behavior after painful experiences
- Show opioid responses — their bodies produce natural painkillers under duress
- React to stimuli similarly to birds and mammals
🎓 “Fish are sentient animals with the capacity to suffer. That should inform both policy and practice.”
— Dr. Lynne Sneddon, University of Gothenburg
🎣 What This Means for Ethical Anglers
As anglers, we love the challenge, connection to nature, and thrill of the catch. But with knowledge comes responsibility. Here’s how to align your fishing practices with science-backed fish welfare:
✅ 1. Minimise Air Exposure
- Limit fish out of water to under 15 seconds
- Pre-plan your photo or unhooking setup
TIP: If it takes longer than that, you’re putting the fish at risk.
✅ 2. Wet Your Hands
- Prevents removing the slime coat, which protects from disease
- Or use rubberized, knotless landing nets
✅ 3. Barbless Hooks Only
- Easier to remove = less tissue damage
- Many UK fisheries now require barbless hooks for this reason
✅ 4. Keep Revival Gear On-Hand
- Carp care kits, aerated keep nets, or livewells help stressed fish recover
- Never release a fish unless it swims away under its own power
✅ 5. Choose Tactics & Species Wisely
- Avoid coldwater species in summer (like grayling and trout)
- Fish early morning or late evening in heatwaves
- Don’t overplay the fish — reduce fight time to limit exhaustion
⚖️ Conservation, Policy & Public Image
Poor handling has real-world consequences:
- Ireland’s Inland Fisheries Board is considering seasonal closures due to mortality in catch-and-release trout.
- In Canada, catch-and-release bans are being trialled in hot months.
- Public opinion is shifting — YouTube and TikTok fishing channels are regularly criticized for mishandling fish.
Anglers who ignore fish welfare risk stricter laws and bans. Those who embrace it, however, help safeguard the future of the sport.
💭 Final Thought: A Call to Fish with Compassion
Fishing isn’t just a pastime — it’s a relationship with nature. If the fish give us their fight, the least we can give back is respect.
Ethical angling doesn’t mean catching less. It means catching better — with skill, care, and stewardship.
By spreading awareness and practicing these principles, you become part of the movement ensuring fishing stays sustainable, legal, and respected for generations to come.
📥 BONUS: Free Printable Fish Welfare Checklist
Stay prepared at the bank. Download your laminated checklist for fish-friendly angling — ideal for carp, coarse, and predator anglers.
👉 [Download Here]
