California, a leading state in progressive fishing regulations, has taken a stand for sustainable fishing practices. One key area of focus is the issue of barotrauma, a condition that can harm fish released from depths. When rapidly brought to the surface, these fish experience pressure changes that can damage their internal organs, often leading to death. The rapid change in pressure causes fish air bladders to expand beyond their normal size, making it impossible for them to swim back down when released. Symptoms of barotrauma include fish floating on the surface after release, stomachs protruding out of the mouth, bulging eyes, flared gills, and inflated body cavities.
The SeaQualizer fish descending device is designed to release rockfish back at the depth where water pressure will reverse the effects of barotrauma and allow the fih to successfully return to the bottom. The depth-activated release clip is by-far the easiest and most efficient way to decent these bottom fish quickly and safely. Watch as BD team member Nate Lindsay uses the SeaQualizer out on the water.