What should be done if a caught fish has signs of disease or parasites?

The best course of action when encountering a fish that shows signs of disease or parasites is to release it back into the water. This practice helps to maintain the overall health of the fish population and the ecosystem. Releasing the fish allows it the possibility to recover naturally, rather than contributing to potential illness in other fish or even risking further transmission of diseases within the water system.

Keeping the fish for personal consumption could pose health risks, as consuming a diseased fish can lead to foodborne illness. Reporting it to local authorities is valuable, especially for monitoring diseases, but the immediate and responsible action is to prevent the spread of the issue by returning the fish to its habitat. Discarding the fish might be necessary in certain situations, particularly if it poses an immediate health risk; however, the preferred option emphasizes preserving wildlife and promoting responsible fishing practices.