My assumption is the fish was released to go about it’s fishy business. Taking of a protected species results in some big fines and loss of your license or even jail time if you get caught.
The news clip doesn’t say that it was released but the fact that he jumped in the water and removed a couple of old hooks sure indicates that’s what he did.
Edit: yep, he released it.
Ryan jumped into the water to get a picture with the giant. He took out a
few hooks that had been left in the grouper’s mouth from other
fishermen. He then removed his wrench and received a decent cut to his
finger from the catch as he was releasing it.
