Fine. I'm more than happy to accept there's been research done on the phenomenon. However, you may want to take note that it's ONLY on simlar species, and in particular, prey species. And no, I don't have any hard evidence to support my claim - I have already stated that my evidence was only anecdotal.
"Fish, when trapped in a net, emit alarm ‘cues’ as a result of their panic (Myrberg 1981; Francis& Williams 1995; Smith 1992). Just as a terrestrial animal would release a cry of alarm whenbeing preyed upon, audible alarm vocalisations by sh, which can travel kilometres throughwater, warn conspeci cs and heterospeci cs of the same prey guild which has a history ofbeing exploited by beach seine nets, of the present danger. (Smith 1992) At the same timechemical ‘disturbance cues’ are emitted via a urinary expulsion when the sh become startledor alarmed, (Hazlett 1985; Kiesecker et al. 1995; Ferrari et al. 2008; Wisenden et al.1995just as a terrestrial animal would do in similar circumstances. Damage to the skin of thenetted sh resulting from contact with the net causes another chemical called schreckstoff tobe automatically released into the water which reliably informs receivers (conspeci cs andheterospeci cs) that conspeci c or heterospeci cs of the same prey guild have been predatedupon (netted). (Von Frisch 1938; Pfeiffer 1977; Smith 1992; Mirza & Chivers 2003; Pollocket al 2003; Brown et al. 2003) "
So essentially, species can warn similar species via audible signals, (that can travel a considerable distance), and chemical signals, (immediate area only), of impending danger. Can't and won't argue with that. Too much evidence to support it.
However, that still fails to explain why predatory fish, (dissimilar species), will also flee. And the articles mentioned don't take this into consideration, nor does Mr Dines, as that's not part of his obvious agenda. And I'm equally as sure that he's only cited evidence which supports his agenda - it's called cherry picking.
Whilst the research cited may seem definitive, bear in mind that it's only for certain (limited),species, and the anecdotal evidence to the contrary of Mr Dines' claims is too much to dismiss.
I'd research it if I was inclined to do so, but frankly, I couldn't be bothered.
And anyway, we are off the thread topic by a whisker - we are after all, talking about the OP's post.