Why should sunfish larger than 6 inches be returned to the water after seining?

Returning sunfish larger than 6 inches to the water after seining is important for selecting faster-growing traits in the population. By allowing these larger individuals to remain in the ecosystem, you help ensure that their genetic characteristics—traits such as growth rate, size, and resilience—are passed on to future generations. This selective pressure can lead to a population that not only grows faster but can also be more adapted to the environmental conditions where they live.

Additionally, larger sunfish play a significant role in controlling the population dynamics within their habitat. Keeping these fish in the water can stabilize the ecosystem, but the primary focus is on the genetic benefits from maintaining the larger individuals for their potential to contribute to future generations with desirable traits.