Florida Fish & Wildlife Research Institute's Genetic Recapture Program
(The following information is from the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission's Fish & Wildlife Research Institute)
The Tarpon Genetic Recapture Program has been gathering valuable information since it began in 2005. Scientists from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) have partnered with scientists from Mote Marine Laboratory to use DNA “fingerprints” to track the movements and habits of tarpon in the coastal waters of Florida and beyond.
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), and partners at Mote Marine Laboratory, can assess the success of tarpon stocks and the connectivity of, or relationship between, tarpon and 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 near the mouth of 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?" (See DNA Project Overview (3.7MB PDF))
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. A tarpon's DNA provides a natural tag of sorts that lasts as long as the tarpon is alive and a tarpon can live over 60 years.
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. (See Best Methods and Tips for Obtaining a DNA Sample (6.5MB PDF))
These skin cell samples are relatively easy to take and do not harm the fish. A tarpon can be left in the water while taking the sample right at the side of the boat, so no possession tag is required to participate in this program. Each sample is processed at the FWRI laboratory in St. Petersburg 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 36 tarpon were recaptured since the program started in 2005.
We urge tarpon anglers from around the state to join the Tarpon Genetic Recapture Study. The program relies on tarpon anglers to obtain the samples in an effort to learn about tarpon. Over 5,000 samples have been collected thanks to public support and participation. To obtain a DNA sample kit and instructions (view instructions), call 1-800-367-4461 or e-mail TarponGenetics@MyFWC.com
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. The kits have no expiration date and no refrigeration is required to store a sample. Just remember to fill out the data slip when a DNA sample is taken. A pencil is provided in the kit. Please consider becoming a volunteer today.
The Florida
Fish & Wildlife Research Institute has agreed to assist the Tarpon Tomorrow Texas Tournament Series in sampling and verifying tournament catches for next summer's tournament series event. For more information on the tournament go to www.tarpontomorrowproam.com
