A fish like that pulled up from the depths it was at will not survive if let go. Due to the pressure change it has no chance. It's air bladder and eyes have burst by the time it hits the surface.
"The shimmering, neon orange, and somewhat bloated looking fish is generally found either alone or in small groups at a depth of between about 990 ft. to 1,650 ft., with old fish deeper than their younger counterparts, preying on small crustaceans that live on underwater boulder fields. "
However once the rockfish was secured, throwing it back wasn't a good option, according to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.
"Rockfish caught in deep water often sustain injuries," as a result of the decompression that happens when fish are quickly elevated to the surface, the ADFG says on its website. With Liebman being at a depth of 900 feet, "because of high release mortality, intentional catch-and-release fishing is greatly discouraged, particularly in depths of 60 feet or greater."
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