Skip to main content

FWC Tarpon Researchers Seek Data from North Florida Anglers



The strength, stamina and fighting ability of a “silver king” make tarpon one of Florida's most popular game fish. Experience the thrill! The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) wants people to reel one in to the side of their boat and help us with the Tarpon Genetic Recapture Study.

Tarpon DNA helps scientists learn more about the fish's rich life history, from its anatomy to its catch history. Each year, willing anglers supply the FWC's Fish and Wildlife Research Institute with DNA “fingerprint” data from tarpon and then release them to jump and challenge anglers another day. The FWRI especially needs DNA samples from fish larger than 30 inches hooked in northeast and northwest Florida.

“While we have a significant amount of information about tarpon in the southern portion of the state, we need more information about this fish in the north,” said FWC researcher Kathy Guindon. “As a result, for the remainder of this year we are shifting the emphasis of the Florida Guides Association-FWC Spirit of Tarpon DNA Sampling Challenge to waters from Brevard County and Pasco County north.”

Participants in the challenge have until mid-January 2015 to submit their samples. Winners will be announced later that month.

This study, ongoing since 2005, relies on data collected by anglers who submit samples and information about their catches using a free, easy-to-use tarpon DNA sampling kit. Volunteer anglers have submitted more than 19,600 samples to date. To obtain a DNA sampling kit, please call 800-367-4461 or email TarponGenetics@MyFWC.com. The FWRI collected 3,386 DNA samples from anglers last year, and staffers look forward to another productive year and hope to learn a lot more about this important marine fish.

“We owe the success of this project to the volunteer anglers who have contributed samples and to those who have supported us in their businesses and through outreach efforts. We look forward to receiving northern samples, as data from those areas will be critical in evaluating the full range of statewide movement patterns,” said Guindon.

To learn more about tarpon and the Tarpon Genetics Recapture Study, visit MyFWC.com/Research and select “Saltwater” then “Tarpon.”

GET THE NEWSLETTER Join the List and Never Miss a Thing.

Recommended Articles

Recent Videos

Rothco merges form, function & aesthetics with their line of tactical tackle bags
Store

Faux Wood HydraStepp Splash Finale

Rothco merges form, function & aesthetics with their line of tactical tackle bags
Learn

Crocodile Spotted off Popular South Florida Fishing Pier

Rothco merges form, function & aesthetics with their line of tactical tackle bags
Store

Wildfire Boat Racing Dreams

Rothco merges form, function & aesthetics with their line of tactical tackle bags
Learn

How to Build a Fishing Rod: DIY Rod Building for Beginners

Rothco merges form, function & aesthetics with their line of tactical tackle bags
Store

Faux Wood HydraStepp Gets Lit

Rothco merges form, function & aesthetics with their line of tactical tackle bags
Learn

Best Live Bait Rigs for Snook & How to Use Them

Rothco merges form, function & aesthetics with their line of tactical tackle bags
Sportfish

Sailfish Boats: Fishing-Focused & Family-Friendly

Rothco merges form, function & aesthetics with their line of tactical tackle bags
Gear

GoBoat: The Lightest & Most Portable Boat in the World

Rothco merges form, function & aesthetics with their line of tactical tackle bags
Gear

Innovative Catamaran Design in a Paddleboard: LIVE Watersports Walkthrough & Features

Rothco merges form, function & aesthetics with their line of tactical tackle bags
Gear

Custom Donzi 38 Dreamboat Reveal & Splash

Rothco merges form, function & aesthetics with their line of tactical tackle bags
Gear

Tactical Tackle: The Unexpected Combo We Never Knew We Needed

Florida Sportsman Magazine Covers Print and Tablet Versions

GET THE MAGAZINE Subscribe & Save

Digital Now Included!

SUBSCRIBE NOW

Give a Gift   |   Subscriber Services

Preview This Month's Issue

Buy Digital Single Issues

Magazine App Logo

Don't miss an issue.
Buy single digital issue for your phone or tablet.

Buy Single Digital Issue on the Florida Sportsman App

Other Magazines

See All Other Magazines

Special Interest Magazines

See All Special Interest Magazines

GET THE NEWSLETTER Join the List and Never Miss a Thing.

Get the top Florida Sportsman stories delivered right to your inbox.

Phone Icon

Get Digital Access.

All Florida Sportsman subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets.

To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine.

Get Digital Access

Not a Subscriber?
Subscribe Now

Enjoying What You're Reading?

Get a Full Year
of Guns & Ammo
& Digital Access.

Offer only for new subscribers.

Subscribe Now