The risks vary depending on species and gear. They exist in every stage of the capture process, though common welfare risks include:

• Exhaustion from swimming or struggling against gear

• Crushing and crowding injuries

• Cuts, hook injuries, scale loss, and other physical damage

• Restricted movement and prolonged confinement

• Predation while an animal is trapped

• Rapid pressure changes when animals are brought up from depth

• Temperature, light or salinity changes

• Low oxygen levels

• Air exposure

• Fear and stress when animals cannot escape

Several risks can happen during the same stage of the capture process with varying degrees of duration and severity.