The Bonefish & Tarpon Conservation Research project could use a hand.
This effort integrates the best efforts of a suite of concerned user groups (anglers and non-anglers alike), researchers, and fishery and habitat managers and the knowledge gained through this research will continue to increase the capacity to provide critical solutions to the growing dilemma of conservation and management of healthy and sustainable bonefish and tarpon fisheries.
Here’s a good article about the research.
ST. LUCIE INLET — Dr. Jerry Ault maintained a tight line on a tarpon as it tried to swim out to sea and after a 45 minute tug-of-war — with 50-pound test braided line — the scientist won.
In the long run, the tarpon will be the real winner. Â
Ault and fellow researchers Dr. Jiangang Luo and Mike Larkin, from the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, came here to locate willing research subjects to participate in an unique project. Fishing Monday with Capt. Bruce Ungar and aided by a number of Stuart Rod and Reel Club members, the men were able to catch and release two tarpon.
Each fish swam away fitted with a new piece of electronic jewelry — a $3,500 Pop-Up Archival Tag (PAT). Sensors on the tag will record critical information such as time, depth, water temperature and light levels once each minute.
