The Tarpon Genetic Recapture Study tracks and studies tarpon using DNA samples that provide a unique genetic “fingerprint” for each fish. DNA samples have been collected from over 21,000 tarpon in the eight years of the program. Every year researchers publish the latest findings from the study. The following are some of the more interesting findings after compiling data from the 2013 season.
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In 2013, fishing guides and recreational anglers collected 3,191 tarpon DNA samples.
- 194 tarpon have been caught and sampled more than once.
- Once again recreational angler, Jon Mallory of Merritt Island, Florida, caught the most tarpon. He sampled 232 tarpon in 2013, slowing down from the blistering pace of 975 tarpon in 2012.
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The top ten tarpon DNA samplers in 2013 are:
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Jon Mallory 232
- Paul D’Antoni 126
- John Manuel 125
- Robert McCue 94
- Ed Walker 93
- Pete Rapps 88
- John Jackson 74
- Skip Nielsen 74
- Brian Robinson 73
- Jeff Malone 71
- Based on reported sampling dates, the longest time between DNA-verified recaptures is 1,029 days (almost three years)
- Billy Miller caught a tarpon in the south Tampa Bay area on July 8, 2010 that was recaptured by Troy Sapp 687 days later on May 25, 2012 in Boca Grand Pass.
- Results show tarpon are a fast growing species of fish. While fishing the parks of Merritt Island, Jon Mallory, Paul MacInnis and Mike Badarack have collected tarpon samples that highlight how fast juvenile tarpon grow. One grew 9 to 19 inches in 139 days (20 May to 6 Oct 2012). A second tarpon grew from 5 to 15 inches in 267 days (22 Oct 2011 to 15 Jul 2012) and was recaptured less than 3 miles from the original release site. Both tarpon grew 10 inches between recaptures, but the second took longer due to cooler weather.
- A large tarpon that weighed in at 172 pounds on June 3, 2012 was caught and sampled again by a different angler the following day. However, this time the tarpon fell victim to a shark upon release.
All tarpon anglers are encouraged to support the Tarpon Genetic Recapture Program. Collecting tarpon DNA samples is as easy as scraping a small amount of skin cells from the tarpon’s jaw using an abrasive sponge. You can obtain free DNA sampling kits and kit refills by calling toll free 1-800-367-4461 or by emailing TarponGenetics@MyFWC.com. The kit includes instructions, abrasive sponges, vials for storing and transporting samples, and data slips for recording catch data. Samples can be mailed directly to the Tarpon Genetics team or dropped off at one of the hundreds of statewide collection locations. A list of drop off sites is provided with the kit or can be found at http://myfwc.com/research/saltwater/tarpon/genetics/sample-distribution-collection/
This year researchers want anglers to focus on collecting DNA samples from tarpon larger than 30 inches long. Also there is a shortage of DNA samples from north Florida. If you are a tarpon angler from the Panhandle or Northeast Florida please consider collecting DNA samples in 2014.
~ Greg Stover