Gulf Fishery Management Council Votes to Extend the Requirements of the DESCEND Act

In order to address the risk of barotrauma in reef fish, Congress passed the Direct Enhancement of Snapper Conservation and the Economy through Novel Devices (DESCEND) Act of 2020. The DESCEND Act addressed the risk of barotrauma by requiring commercial or recreational vessels fishing for reef fish to possess a venting tool or descending device that is rigged and ready for use when fishing in the Gulf. A venting tool is a device, such as a large needle, that enables the angler to penetrate the abdomen of a fish to release excess gases. A descending device helps anglers release fish at depth to minimize trauma.

The DESCEND Act contained a sunset provision that meant the requirements of the law would expire in January 2026. However, in November 2025, the Gulf Fishery Management Council (Gulf Council) voted to continue the requirements of the DESCEND Act for fisheries under their jurisdiction. The Gulf Council intends to transmit this action to the Secretary of Commerce for its consideration and implementation as soon as practicable.

Barotrauma is caused by the change of pressure a fish experiences when it is caught and reeled up from deep water. A fish with barotrauma will show certain injuries, such as:

• Stomach protruding from the mouth
• Bulging eyes
• Bloated midsection or distended intestines
• Sluggish swimming or inability to swim downward
• Lifted or bubbly scales

In deciding whether to extend the provisions of the DESCEND Act, the Gulf Council relied on the fact that many Gulf anglers have already received descending devices and training on how to use them through the Return ‘em Right Program. Since the program was initiated, over 47,000 anglers have gone through the program. Thus, while extending the requirements will have some economic impact on commercial and recreational anglers that need to purchase descending devices or venting tools, the benefit to reef fish populations outweighs this cost.

What do anglers need to know?

Anglers must continue to have a venting tool or descending device rigged and ready for use when fishing for reef fish in the Gulf. The Gulf Council found that a descending device typically costs about $100 and specifically included a link to one on the Seaqualizer website. The Gulf Council found that a venting device, including replacement needles, would cost $20-40 and may be purchased on Amazon.