After catch and release, here's how to make sure reef fish survive

University of Miami Marine Sciences student Lauren Hayes with her catch, a 7 or 8 pound mutton snapper, which was released and returned to its reef habitat more than 100 feet below the surface. (Greg Allen/NPR)

MIAMI — Saltwater recreational fishing is a big part of Florida's tourist economy. Anglers take more than 40 million saltwater fishing trips each year in Florida in hopes of hooking a grouper, snapper or mahi mahi.

But strict regulations on seasons and the species that can be taken mean that more than half of the fish caught on a typical trip are returned to the water.