$100,000 goes a long way to preserve and protect valuable gamefish.

Funding for scientific research into the biology of tarpon and bonefish got a $100,000 boost recently at the second annual Ocean Reef Club Bonefish and Tarpon Unlimited Backbone Classic, drawing a field of 42 boats to the Florida Keys for competition and socializing.

Bonefish and Tarpon Unlimited uses the funds to help reveal biological information about the two species in cooperation with science partners such as the University of Miami's Rosenstiel School, Mote Marine Laboratory and Florida Institute of Technology.

Research includes state-of-the-art technology involving satellites and transmitters. For more information on the studies and about BTU visit www.tarbone.org.