The Tarpon Genetic Recapture Study is for Everyone!
Tarpon anglers are invited to assist Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) researchers by safely and harmlessly removing, storing and delivering to us samples of skin cells of captured tarpon.
Tarpon can be identified using DNA fingerprinting, or "fin printing," techniques. Tarpon that are genetically sampled by the angling public (like you) can be used to determine survival rates, health, migration, and movement of individual fish within the fishery. By evaluating these factors on recaptured fish over time, biologists at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) can assess the success of tarpon stocks and the connectivity of tarpon between different bodies of Florida waters.
In other words, we can use the tarpon recapture information to answer questions about a tarpon's movement, such as, "Will a tarpon that was caught and genetically sampled in the waters by Egmont Key in Tampa Bay get recaptured down in the Florida Keys? If so, could the tarpon then swim toward the Sebastian Inlet near Melbourne, or will the tarpon return to Tampa Bay?"
How do we genetically sample a tarpon? A small sample of skin cells is all we need. We no longer need to place an external plastic or wire tag onto the fish that can fall off, break, or get covered in algae beyond recognition. Using a small abrasive sponge to scrape skin cells from the outer jaw of the tarpon provides enough DNA for researchers to determine if a particular fish has been caught and sampled before.
These skin cell samples are easily taken without harming the fish. The samples can be processed for less than $3 each to give a unique DNA “fingerprint” for an individual tarpon. The technology allows FWRI biologists to identify individual tarpon with the odds of an error at less than one in a billion (1:1,000,000,000)! In fact, FWRI scientists have already verified that a single tarpon was recaptured during our pilot study in 2006.
We urge tarpon anglers from around the state to join the Tarpon Genetic Recapture Study. A similar program has been very popular and successful among red drum anglers who practice catch-and-release methods in Biscayne Bay and the Tampa Bay area. In fact, we are partnering with Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota to assist us in this endeavor since its red drum program is so successful.
DNA samples from any tarpon, regardless of size or location of capture, can be turned in to the FWRI in St. Petersburg or dropped off at one of our statewide collection locations. To obtain a DNA sample kit and instructions (view instructions), call 1-800-367-4461 or e-mail tarpongenetics@myfwc.com.
Additional information about the program and tarpon research at the FWRI can be obtained by viewing other tarpon articles here on our Web site.
