"Vent" A Fish

When hauled in from deep waters, snapper, grouper and other bottomfish often suffer from a ruptured or distended swim bladder—recognizable by their everted stomach. However, scientists from Florida's Mote Marine Laboratory (www.mote.org) have proven there is a fast and effective way of releasing gas from fish, called "venting," which helps the fish swim back to its natural habitat. Here's how it's done.

1) A large hypodermic needle, without the plunger, makes an excellent venting tool. A small, hollow aluminum tube cut at a 45-degree angle at the tip for sharpness, and placed in a drilled-out wooden dowel (for a handle) works well, too.