TAG-A-TINY
The University of New Hampshire's Large
Pelagic Research Lab and The Hook-Up! join forces to improve our understanding
of the amazing BLUEFIN TUNA
Dr, Molly Lutcavage, Director of the UNH Large Pelagic Research Lab aboard
The "Tammy Rose" one of two charter boats operated by The Hook-Up! The "Tag
A Tiny" program was initiated in 2005 and was designed to study the annual
migration paths and habitat use of the School Bluefin Tuna (juveniles). A
total of 98 fish were implanted in 2005 & 2006. These tags record light
levels to help estimate their location as well as depth, internal and ambient
temperatures. These tagged fish can be identified by a
bright green "spaghetti tag". This indicates
there is an archival tag within the fish.
ANGLERS WHO CATCH SUCH A FISH SHOULD KEEP THE WHOLE FISH AND IMMEDIATELY CONTACT
DR. LUTCAVAGE AT (603-862-2891). Fishermen are
eligible for a $500.00 reward once the whole fish is received and the tag
returned. Check out the the
Tag A Tiny website
for details. During our last trip out a different type of tag was
being used the "X-Tag". The X-Tag is a tag that is placed on the exterior
of the fish. Location, depth and external temperatures are recorded.
The tag jettisons off of the fish at a pre programmed time. The tag then
"pops up" to the surface and transmits it's data to a satellite and on to the
researchers!
If you catch and release Bluefin Tuna you should
consider getting involved in this program. Go to the
website and sign up!
First you have to catch the fish this is where Capt. Eric
Stewart and the crew of the "Tammy Rose" come in. Here, Jessie Knapp a
Ph.D. Student puts the pressure on a big Cape Cod School Bluefin Tuna. We
want to get the fish on deck fresh and collect the data as fast as possible.
(BELOW)
The fish is measured and samples are taken for further
study
The X-Tag is placed on the fish.
The fish is prepared for release and "swam" behind the
boat to revive the fish. This one was ready to go and off he went. Visit
the
Large Pelagic Research Center website
and the Tag A Tiny program to get an update on the results of their research.
It is amazing.
RESEARCH THAT PROVIDES THE KNOWLEDGE FOR INFORMED
DECISIONS!
|