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:
- 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 across 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:
- 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.
How South Atlantic Anglers Can Participate
Anglers fishing in the South Atlantic can now take advantage of RER's free training and discounted gear program. Getting started is simple:
- Complete the Online Training: A quick 15-minute course covering barotrauma, fish handling, and proper release techniques specifically for reef fish like snapper and grouper.
- Receive Discounted Release Gear: After completing the training, eligible anglers receive a link to purchase a $100 value release kit for only the cost of shipping and handling (approximately $12).
What's Included in the Return 'Em Right 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 pre-rigged setup ensures that anglers are always prepared, even in fast-paced fishing conditions.
Promoting a Culture of Responsible Fishing
One of the most important goals of Return 'Em Right is to normalize best release practices. By making training accessible and gear affordable, the program removes barriers to responsible angling. As more anglers adopt these practices, the impact grows by increasing survival rates, supporting healthy fish populations, and improving fishing opportunities for future generations. With its expansion into the South Atlantic, anglers are poised to make an even bigger difference on the water.
Get Started Today
If you fish in North Carolina, South Carolina, or Georgia, now is the perfect time to get involved:
- Take the free 15-minute training.
- Get your discounted release kit.
- Join a growing community committed to healthier fisheries.
To learn more about how we as anglers can enhance the survival of reef fish, visit returnemright.org.