MOTE MARINE LABORATORY

Fish Biology  

FISH TAGGING
The Mote Marine Laboratory Fish Tagging Programs includes two groups of fishes: reef fish species and  coastal pelagic species.

Visit these sections for more specific details of these two programs

The MML Reef Fish Tagging Program

This program is unique in that it has been supported at one time or another by all the sectors of the reef fish fishery. It was started in 1990 with funds from the commercial fishers of the Southwest Offshore Fishing Association (SOFA). More recently the program has continued on donations from the Sarasota Sports Fishing Association and the Florida Sport Fishing Association and volunteers from the recreational sector. We have also had considerable help from the charter and headboat industry.

Since its inception in 1990, The Mote Marine Laboratory Reef Fish Tagging Project coverage has grown from sites off  Madeira Beach and Sarasota, Florida, to encompass most of the west coast of Florida and a few locations off the east coast.
 Data from this program is being disseminated in various ways. One way is through a newsletter which is sent to all participating taggers, interested fishery scientists, fisheries managers and outdoor writers. The data have also been used by the National Marine Fisheries Service for stock assessment purposes. These data have also have been and will be the basis of peer reviewed scientific journal publications.  For more information, just call us on our toll free number, 1-800-388-3966

Cash prizes are awarded to fish taggers on a quarterly basis for the most fish tagged in that period, the TOP TAGGER, and annually, based on a  Lottery. For details of the latest prizes, click on the links above.

MML Coastal Pelagic Fish Tagging Program

This program includes 2 species: Cobia and Dolphin. Mote Marine Laboratory Fisheries Staff and volunteers began tagging cobia and dolphin in 1990 as part of a one year MARFIN funded study. After the project ended, tagging continued with funds provided by the Sarasota Sports Fishing Association and the Florida Sport Fishing Association. The tagging area is the same as the reef fish tagging area, with the exception of a few fish tagged off South Carolina and Senegal, Africa.

As with the reef tagging ;program, date is disseminated in various ways, including reports, data transfer to the National Marine Fisheries Service for stock assessment purposes and this web site. For more information, just call our toll free number, 1-800-388-3966

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An Important Fish Tagging Tip

We have found that the single barbed dart tags being used in this study are effective for reef fish when inserted properly.  Always remember to insert the tag as close to the dorsal fin as possible. The objective is to subcutaneously hook the barb on the spines. If this is accomplished, the tag will remain secure. We have had fish returned after 6 years of freedom. On the other hand , if the tag is inserted into the muscle tissue, it will not remain in the fish and can be easily removed with a light tug.

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Last Update: October 10, 2005

Web Site Design: Don Marshall