Mouth injuries caused by removing hooks can prevent fish from feeding, a UCR study finds

Anglers and conservationists who believe catch-and-release fishing is not harmful to fish might want to take a look at a recent study by UC Riverside researchers.

When fishermen remove the hooks and release their catch back into the water, all is not OK. Removing the hook can leave holes in the animal’s mouth. And the holes can limit feeding because many fish use suction to pull in their food.

A Monday, Oct. 9, study in The Journal of Experimental Biology shows that mouth injuries caused by hook removal after catch-and-release fishing hamper the ability of fish to capture prey. The results raise questions about catch-and release fishing, considered a way to conserve at-risk fish species.

Tim Higham, an associate professor in UCR’s Department of Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology, studies the biomechanics and hydrodynamics of suction feeding — the way bass, salmon and trout eat.

“The suction feeding system is somewhat similar to how we drink liquid through a straw,” Higham said. “If you poke a hole in the side of your straw it’s not going to work properly.”

Special Ed teaching scholarships

Cal Poly Pomona is offering a combined bachelor’s degree and credential program to help ease the shortage of special education teachers in Southern California.

In addition, its College of Education and Integrative Studies offers full-tuition scholarships to assist qualified students in earning both their credential and master’s degree in special education. The deadline to apply for the Special Educators of Excellence in Diverse Settings scholarship for fall 2019 is April 1, 2019.

The Integrated Teacher Education Program and special educators program are funded with grants from the U.S. Department of Education and the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.

“At a time when local schools are faced with a critical shortage of special education teachers, we are thrilled to launch these invaluable programs,” said Assistant Professor Joanne Van Boxtel, director of the Integrated Teacher Education Program. “Our goal is to prepare our students with the skills they need to be effective educators and change makers for inclusive education.”

Go to www.cpp.edu/ for more information.

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