Stress in rays and skates
While tagging is important, the survival of the fish ALWAYS takes priority.
Returning the fish as soon as possible minimizes the stress to the animal. Recognizing signs of stress is important.
When elasmobranches get stressed, they flush blood to their extremities turning them pink. Stress can be caused by:
- over playing a fish
- removing it from the water
- handling it badly
- other situations outside its normal experience
It is important to learn to recognize these signs of stress as when these appear the fish should be returned to the water as soon as it safe to do so.
Read the handling guides and codes of best practice in our library.
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