The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the Florida Guides Association (FGA) have teamed up again to bring The FGA/FWC Spirit of Tarpon DNA Sampling Challengeback for a second year. The goal is to encourage anglers to support the Tarpon Genetic Recapture Study (TGRS) by collecting DNA samples from the tarpon they catch. Scientists use the DNA samples as genetic “fingerprints” to track and study tarpon.

The FGA/FWC challenge is issued to all interested recreational anglers for the months of January through December 2013. The rules are simple, most samples win.

Thanks, at least in part to the challenge, more anglers than ever participated in the Tarpon Genetic Recapture Study in 2012. It is a win-win situation with the study getting more DNA samples and anglers getting recognition and a chance to win great prizes.

Anglers who would like to assist the study and participate in the challenge can obtain a free, easy-to-use tarpon DNA sampling kit by emailing TarponGenetics@MyFWC.com or by calling 800-367-4461.

For more information on The FGA/FWC Spirit of Tarpon DNA Sampling Challenge visit http://www.florida-guides.com/florida-guides-association/events/264-fgafwc-spirit-of-tarpon-dna-sampling-challenge.html