 When the need arises to release a fish, we're all responsible for ensuring it is released in a way that provides the greatest chance of survival. Snapper, like many other bottom-dwelling species, are susceptible to barotrauma when caught from depths greater than 10 metres. Barotrauma is a pressure-related injury that fish experience when reeled up from depth. These injuries are caused by the expansion of gases within the fish's body as a result of the rapid change in pressure when brought to the surface. There are a number of injuries caused by barotrauma, including hyperextension of the swim bladder that results in a swollen abdomen and a version of the stomach into the throat or out of the mouth. The expansion of gas in the swim bladder can result in excessive buoyancy, which prevents the fish from returning to depth on its own and can lead to sun damage and increased risk from predators. Recreational fishes in South Australia are strongly encouraged to carry a release weight when releasing in deeper water. A release weight returns the fish to its depth of capture, which recompresses the gases in the fish's body and allows it to regain correct buoyancy. Thank you for watching!