VIRGINIA GAME FISH TAGGING PROGRAM

Transcription

1 VIRGINIA GAME FISH TAGGING PROGRAM Susanna Musick Lewis Gillingham 2010 ANNUAL REPORT VIMS Marine Resource Report No

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3 Virginia Game Fish Tagging Program Annual Report 2010 Susanna Musick, Marine Recreation Specialist Marine Advisory Program Virginia Institute of Marine Science College of William and Mary P.O. Box 1346 Gloucester Point, VA (804) Lewis Gillingham, Director Virginia Saltwater Fishing Tournament Virginia Marine Resources Commission 2600 Washington Ave., Third Floor Newport News, VA (757) Recaptured Fish Reporting (757) May 2011 VIMS Marine Resource Report No VSG For the most recent version of this publication see: 3

4 acknowledgements 2010 The idea for the Virginia Game Fish Tagging Program (VGFTP) was that of Mr. Claude Bain, III, former director of the Virginia Saltwater Fishing Tournament (VSFT) under the Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC). Mr. Bain approached Mr. Jon Lucy at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) during the late 1980 s about developing a tagging project on red drum. Bain and Lucy realized not only were critical habitat and seasonal movement data sparse for red drum in state waters, the same situation existed for a number of other marine recreational species, i.e., black drum, cobia, speckled trout, and tautog. Therefore, they decided to explore developing a multi-species, angler-assisted tagging program. Such a program would develop a core group of trained anglers whose angling expertise and knowledge of where fish occur could be put to use to tag significant numbers of select target species. The concept was appealing to the angling community as changing fishery regulations increased the number of saltwater fish released alive; fish which could be tagged. Having previously conducted a study of anglers experiences with federal agency and angling group run tagging programs, Lucy had a good sense of how to design a prototype program for Virginia. Therefore, the Game Fish Tagging Program came into existence in 1995 primarily funded from Virginia saltwater fishing license funds and matching funds from VIMS TOP TAGGERS In September 2007, Mr. Lewis Gillingham became the new VSFT Director and took over managing the VMRC portion of the tagging program. Ann Burnett in that office also deserves special recognition for her exemplary work, data management and guidance, all of which keep the program on track. Since late fall 2007, Mr. Todd Sperling at the VMRC main office in Newport News has updated the program s database into a more efficient format. He maintains the database while fine-tuning it for changing data analyses and output needs. The long-term data included in this report exist because of the many years of hard work from Lucy and Bain. Mr. Lucy retired in July 2010 and Ms. Susanna Musick replaced him as the VIMS Coordinator for the tagging program and Marine Recreation Specialist in the Marine Advisory Program. Mr. Lucy has provided valuable feedback and training as a contractor, from November 2010-May VGFTP will be lucky to have his continued support as a volunteer tagger; his considerable knowledge and expertise will always be an asset to the program. Also at VIMS, Ms. Dianne Roberts provides critical assistance to the tagging program assisting with tag orders, assignment and distribution of tags and preparation for workshops. Ms. Cheryl Teagle coordinates purchasing tags while helping manage the tagging program budget. VIMS Publications provides critical assistance in preparation of posters and annual reports. The VIMS Game Fish Tagging Program website is maintained by Ms. Lee Larkin and Ms. Lisa Lawrence. Ms. Silvia Motley in the Publications Center handles printing production of annual reports. Ms. Janet Krenn of Virginia Sea Grant also provides communication support for special events and publications. The Game Fish Tagging Program is a team effort by many critical players, most importantly, the anglers who devote significant time and effort to tagging target fish and reporting fish recaptures. Cover photo credit: Kayak Kevin Whitley, tagged tautog. Photo: Anglers receive awards for outstanding catch-tag-and-release in Janet Krenn/VASG Seated, L-R: Sheldon Arey, Jim Robinson, Doug Wehner; Standing, L- R: Lewis Gillingham, VSFT Director; John Dunn, Susan Harrell, Ed Shepherd, Carl Stover. 4

5 table of contents Introduction... 9 Target Species: Program Objectives Database Improvements Program Responsibilities Accomplishments Tagging Effort and Recaptured Fish Results Special Flounder Double Tagging Effort-Assisting VIMS Research Project Addressing Challenges Special Database Benefits to Researchers and Fishery Managers Result Highlights by Species (2010) Black Drum Black Sea Bass Cobia Flounder Red Drum Sheepshead Spadefish Speckled Trout Tautog..16 (Gray) Triggerfish Conclusion Tables Figures Appendices A, B, C.58 5

6 list of tables Table 1. Virginia Game Fish Tagging Program Annual Tagging Awards Table 2. Table 3. Table 4. Virginia Game Fish Tagging Program Annual Tagging Awards 2010 (Winner & Runner- Up) Taggers Awarded Conservation Certificates for Tagging 25 or more Fish during 2010 (by total fish tagged) Taggers Having 5 or More Fish Recaptured during 2010 (by total fish recaptured) Table 5. Tagged and Recaptured Fish by Species and Year ( ) Table 6. Total Number of Tags and Overall (Cumulative) Recapture Rates ( ) Table 7. Total Number of Tagged and Recaptured Flounder (VIMS Study),

7 list of figures Figure 1a. Total Number of Tagged Black Drum, Figure 1b. Total Number of Black Drum Recaptures, Figure 2a. Top Black Drum Tagging Sites, Figure 2b. Top Black Drum Recapture Sites, Figure 3. Tagged Black Drum Size Frequencies, Figure 4a. Total Number of Tagged Black Sea Bass, Figure 4b. Total Number of Black Sea Bass Recaptures, Figure 5a. Top Black Sea Bass Tagging Sites, Figure 5b. Top Black Sea Bass Recapture Sites, Figure 6. Tagged Black Sea Bass Size Frequencies, Figure 7a. Total Number of Tagged Cobia, Figure 7b. Total Number of Cobia Recaptures, Figure 8a. Top Cobia Tagging Sites, Figure 8b. Top Cobia Recapture Sites, Figure 9. Tagged Cobia Size Frequencies, Figure 10a. Total Number of Tagged Flounder, Figure 10b. Total Number of Flounder Recaptures, Figure 11a. Top Flounder Tagging Sites, Figure 11b. Top Flounder Recapture Sites, Figure 12. Tagged Flounder Size Frequencies, Figure 13a. Total Number of Tagged Red Drum, Figure 13b. Total Number of Red Drum Recaptures, Figure 14a. Top Red Drum Tagging Sites, Figure 14b. Top Red Drum Recapture Sites, Figure 15. Tagged Red Drum Size Frequencies, Figure 16a. Total Number of Tagged Sheepshead, Figure 16b. Total Number of Sheepshead Recaptures, Figure 17a. Top Sheepshead Tagging Sites, Figure 17b. Top Sheepshead Recapture Sites, Figure 18. Tagged Sheepshead Size Frequencies,

8 list of figures, continued Figure 19a. Total Number of Tagged Spadefish, Figure 19b. Total Number of Spadefish Recaptures, Figure 20a. Top Spadefish Tagging Sites, Figure 20b. Top Spadefish Recapture Sites, Figure 21. Tagged Spadefish Size Frequencies, Figure 22a. Total Number of Tagged Speckled Trout, Figure 22b. Total Number of Speckled Trout Recaptures, Figure 23a. Top Speckled Trout Tagging Sites, Figure 23b. Top Speckled Trout Recapture Sites, Figure 24. Tagged Speckled Trout Size Frequencies, Figure 25a. Total Number of Tagged Tautog, Figure 25b. Total Number of Tautog Recaptures, Figure 26a. Top Tautog Tagging Sites, Figure 26b. Top Tautog Recapture Sites, Figure 27. Tagged Tautog Size Frequencies, Figure 28a. Total Number of Tagged Triggerfish, Figure 28b. Total Number of Triggerfish Recaptures, Figure 29a. Top Triggerfish Tagging Sites, Figure 29b. Top Triggerfish Recapture Sites, Figure 30. Tagged Triggerfish Size Frequencies,

9 VIRGINIA GAME FISH TAGGING PROGRAM 2010 Introduction Through 2010, the Virginia Game Fish Tagging Program has maintained a 16-year database of records for tagged and recaptured fish. The program is a cooperative project of the Virginia Saltwater Fishing Tournament (under the Virginia Marine Resources Commission-VMRC) and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) of the College of William and Mary (under the VIMS Marine Advisory Program). The primary goal of the program is to train and maintain an experienced group of anglers who are willing to volunteer their time and effort to properly tag and release their fish catch. Data on tagged and recaptured fish are summarized in annual reports and are accessible on VIMS website: vgftp/. Time series data are organized and provided whenever requested by anglers, angling groups, researchers, and fishery managers. Program participants are trained to tag only designated target species in Virginia waters. Participation in the program is capped at two hundred trained taggers. Supporting this number of taggers has been manageable when meeting tag and tagging equipment needs, performing timely data entry, and mailing of tag-recapture reports (and reward items) to anglers reporting catches of tagged fish. Funding for the program is applied for annually through a competitive proposal process under VMRC s Recreational Fishing Advisory Board. The program funding requires the Board s positive recommendation, which then goes before the VMRC Commissioners for final approval. If funding is approved, Virginia Saltwater Recreational Fishing License Funds (administered by VMRC) primarily cover budget needs, with additional matching funds contributed by VIMS. A cooperative but separate funding proposal from that of the VSFT office is submitted annually to the VMRC by VIMS. The VIMS portion of the program focuses primarily on coordinating, maintaining and purchasing all tags and tagging equipment (tag guns, tag sticks, tagging needles, and constructing measuring boards). Also included in the VIMS budget are local travel costs and costs for presenting program results at scientific meetings. Several printed materials are also the responsibility of VIMS; these include tagging training handouts, waterproof tagging data sheets, and laminated posters alerting anglers to target species and the telephone number for reporting recaptured fish. The design, printing and publication of annual reports also falls to VIMS, including the publication and maintenance of digital reports on the VIMS website. The Virginia Saltwater Fishing Tournament office similarly submits a separate proposed budget. This budget predominantly covers expenses associated with purchasing reward items for recaptures and mailing such items (with printed Fish Recapture Reports) to people phoning in tagged fish recapture information. Reporters of tagged fish choose among various reward options including custom T-shirts, caps, sun visors, pewter fish pins, or plastic tackle organizers (as long as such items remain in stock). Recapture awards allow diverse members of the public (including commercial fishermen, seafood dealers, etc.) to call in reports of tagged fish they encounter. The reward system and recapture reports provide positive feedback to anglers and encourage them to continue to participate in the program and report future recaptures of tagged fish. Direct association of angler taggers with others in the angling community enhances program awareness, reminds anglers (and commercial fishers) of the importance of reporting tagged fish, and provides the angling community with positive fishery conservation role models. The program succeeds because of good teamwork across the angling community. The tagging program documents annual and year-toyear movement and habitat utilization patterns of selected finfish species in Virginia waters. For certain species, the program documents significant coastwise migrations. Many of these species spawn in the lower Bay or nearshore waters of Virginia and 9

10 use Virginia estuarine and coastal waters as nursery and feeding grounds. The program s results are of interest to the angling community and to fishery researchers and managers. The number and size distribution of fish tagged each year compliment other research-based data sets and can help fishery managers gain a more comprehensive picture of sizes of fish released in the state s marine recreational fishery. Tagging effort for flounder, red and black drum, speckled trout, cobia, spadefish, triggerfish and sheepshead primarily occurs in Bay and nearshore coastal waters. However, tagging of tautog, black sea bass, spadefish and gray triggerfish occurs over much broader areas of the Bay and inshore-offshore waters. Tagging for structure-oriented species occurs on sites such as fishing piers, artificial reefs, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel complex, shipwrecks and other bottom sites occurring from the lower Bay to sites offshore of Virginia. Special tagging continues at warm water discharge sites through cooperation with Virginia Dominion Power. Past tagging results at the Yorktown Power Station (York River) and the Center for Energy Conservation Power Station (Elizabeth River) have helped to document these areas as important overwintering sites for various species, especially speckled trout and red drum. TARGET SPECIES Target species for 2010 appear below. Summer flounder replaced gray trout (weakfish) in 2000, the latest change to date. Black Drum Black Sea Bass Cobia Summer Flounder Red Drum Sheepshead Spadefish Speckled Trout Tautog (Gray) Triggerfish Pogonias cromis Centropristis striata Rachycentron canadum Paralichthys dentatus Sciaenops ocellatus Archosargus probatocephalus Chaetodipterus faber Cynoscion nebulosus Tautoga onitis Balistes capriscus PROGRAM OBJECTIVES Basic objectives guide program activities. There are five main objectives: (1) Develop and maintain a quality tagging program using a corps of trained angler taggers; direct tagging effort of these anglers on select target species, especially where one can take advantage of significant numbers of non-legal fish which anglers are readily discarding alive while complying with recreational fishing regulations. (2) Where and when appropriate, direct program tagging effort toward opportunistic occurrences of strong year classes of fish in Virginia s Bay and nearshore-offshore waters, especially species not traditionally subject to scientific tagging studies in such waters, i.e., red drum, black drum, speckled trout, tautog, sheepshead, spadefish, etc. The program does not target species currently monitored and/or targeted in state waters by research-based tagging studies coordinated by fishery research agencies and institutions, in particular striped bass. (3) Maintain a database of tagged and recaptured fish records accessible to the angling community, but also of use to fishery researchers and managers as the database matures. Make summaries and reports of such data available to the angling community through annual reports, websites, presentations to angling clubs, kids fishing clinics, etc. and provide requested data to researchers and fishery managers. (4) Use the tagging program to enhance education of marine anglers about the importance of reporting tagged fish to appropriate organizations, agencies, and research institutions to enhance understanding and management of key fishery stocks important to Virginia s marine recreational fisheries. (5) Use program results to educate the angling community about fishery conservation and management benefits directly connected with proper handling and releasing of non-legal fish. Tagrecapture data prove that using proper catch and re- 10

11 lease fishing practices results in better angling catches both short-term and long-term. The program maintains a group of experienced, trained, angler-taggers who can capitalize on opportunities to tag key species that often exhibit high abundance levels during a given fishing season. These events contribute to rebuilding and sustaining specific fisheries in Virginia s one billion dollar recreational fishery and take on even greater value when this program documents sizes and abundance of recreationally-targeted fish and the habitats they utilize. Database Improvements As in previous years, Mr. Todd Sperling s (VMRC) skills are indispensable for managing the program s data files. The options regarding special data reports and quick updated summaries of trained anglers tagging and recapture results have been expanded. As of 2009, data are quarantined whenever a recaptured fish species does not match that of the tagged fish (such records are linked by their specific fish tag number). This feature allows the review of such data inconsistencies, which may be the result of various issues, i.e., recaptured fish tag numbers being misread and thereby reported incorrectly, a recapture angler s recall mistake regarding the species of tagged fish they caught, etc. Such reporting irregularities seem to occur most frequently at fishing piers and other heavily fished shoreline locations (see Challenges section). Other cases may include negative days at large for recaptured fish, i.e., when a tagged fish s reported recapture date is earlier than the reported recapture date. Also, if a recaptured fish s size is significantly different from what would be expected, this may suggest either the person reporting the recapture badly estimated the fish s length, or the recaptured fish s tag number was reported incorrectly, etc.; such issues can then be investigated and hopefully clarified. These recapture data issues more often occur on reports called into the office and left on voice mail outside of regular office hours. Details of Program Responsibilities In addition to handling the majority of data entry, the VA Saltwater Fishing Tournament office distributes tags, needles, etc. These items are regularly mailed to taggers and records are maintained regarding tag-number series assigned to the participants. This information is important for tracking down late tagged fish data reports for reported recaptures. Similarly, Fish Recapture Reports generated from the database are mailed to both the tagger and the angler reporting the recapture (along with the available reward item). This timely feedback loop is critical to the success of the tagging program. Every tag clearly states that a REWARD is offered for reporting recaptures of tagged fish. Appropriate reward items (program caps, sun visors, t- shirts, fish pins, etc.) are mailed to anglers (and commercial fishers and fish dealers reporting tags) by the VSFT office along with fish Recapture Reports. The most popular reward item is the t-shirt, which must be printed in limited numbers each year to stay within budget. Typically, late in the fishing year the t-shirt supply becomes exhausted. Then other reward items are substituted for it (most reporters of recaptured fish understand such issues). The majority of data for both tagged and recaptured fish are entered into the database at the VSFT office; the data go directly into the database maintained on a server at the VMRC. The VMRC database manager is proactive in contributing to the improvement of tagged and recaptured fish data and outputs. Current options include setting up various reports that provide single-click data summaries for review and tracking program results. VIMS continues to serve as a remote site for entering tagged and recaptured fish data for selected program participants. To relieve some of the workload from the VSFT office, VIMS (Dianne Roberts) enters all data for the program s most productive tagger, Mr. Ed Shepherd. From , Mr. Shepherd has tagged 2,000-4,000 fish annually (2,221 in 2010, Table 1) which resulted in recapture reports each year. Ms. Roberts also provides 11

12 critical feedback to the program regarding data organization, tagging inventory, workshop materials and dissemination preparation. At VIMS, tagged fish and recapture data records are also checked for possible inconsistencies and errors; the corrected data then are analyzed and formatted for various presentations and reports. Figures demonstrating fish movement and habitat use patterns are also developed for a variety of educational programs (VIMS Marine Science Day, kids fishing clinics, science teachers and public presentations). Data and graphics also are developed in different formats for various program dissemination needs, i.e. VIMS website pages, annual tagging training workshops, posters, annual reports and presentations (angling clubs, civic groups and scientific meetings). Tag and program equipment orders including the construction of fish measuring boards are handled by VIMS. VIMS also periodically conducts tag retention field trials to evaluate whether changes might be warranted regarding the type of tag used for a specific species. Depending on the size range of fish, certain tags are more appropriate for small fish specimens (like the 2.5 in T-bar tag) versus large fish (plastic and stainless steel dart tags). For target species larger than inches total length, the program recommends using a 6.25 in. stainless steel dart tag with wire core sheath. In 2008, select taggers were provided dogleg dart tags (DD tags) and wide-anchor dart tags (DW tags) to test in speckled trout and red drum. Tag retention studies continued under the guidance of Mr. Jon Lucy and Ms. Susanna Musick in 2010 for these plastic dart tags to examine patterns of times at large (versus T-bar tags). Recapture rates and times at large are being examined to determine if distinctive patterns result from the DD and DW tags ACCOMPLISHMENTS Tagging Effort and Recaptured Fish Results Through 2010, the program s database included over 171,000 tagged fish records and approximately 19,467 recapture records (Table 6). (*Note: VGFTP data referenced here include summaries of fish tagged and recaptured in terms of the number of fish recaptured (Table 5) and the cumulative number of recaptures, including multiple recaptures of the same fish (Table 6).) Cumulative recapture rates during 2010 were approximately 11.4% and 18% for tautog and gray triggerfish, respectively. During the year cumulative recapture rates of 14-37% occurred for spadefish, red drum, cobia and black sea bass. Recapture rates were between 3-9% for sheepshead and flounder. The lowest recapture rates occurred for speckled trout and red drum (2.4%). During 2010 angler participation remained around the 200 person cap. In March, Top Tagger awards were presented in Hampton at Bass Pro Shops Spring Fishing Classic seminar series. The Tagging Program is fortunate to have a consistent group of anglers dedicating volunteer effort into tagging considerable numbers of fish that result in useful recapture data. The 2010 top taggers are responsible for a major portion of tagged and recaptured fish data each year. The good-natured competition for the annual awards encourages taggers to work at becoming more consistent in their tagging. By doing so, they have a chance at making the list of annual award winners for any given year. Trained anglers tagging accomplishments appear in Table 3 by number of tagged fish. Eighty-three (83) anglers tagged 25 or more fish during 2010, which accounted for about 95 percent of all fish tagged in the year. This participation level was similar to that in These anglers consistent efforts produce the majority of data on local and regional habitat use and movement patterns of target species. Top ranking anglers by total recaptures during 2010 appear in Table 4. The majority (90%) of recaptures reported during the year were accounted for by the 43 taggers listed. As expected, anglers tagging the most fish often have the highest number of recaptures per year. Higher numbers of recaptures are associated with a number of variables including fishing (and tagging) frequently, organizing one s tags and data sheets to enhance tagging efficiency, and tagging at locations which hold individual fish for significant periods and which are fished frequently by other anglers. 12

13 The range of fishing/tagging areas covered by VGFTP taggers is important to keeping the program data relevant to target species dynamics including year-to-year abundance, habitat use and seasonal migration patterns. However, also important are a smaller number of taggers who routinely push themselves to even higher tagging goals ( fish per year). The teamwork and cumulative data resulting from taggers at each tagging effort level keep the program responsive to changes in Virginia s recreational fishery. Special Flounder Effort-VIMS Project A select group of program taggers who volunteered to assist a special VIMS flounder research project deserve special recognition. These individuals helped VIMS collect data on T-bar tag loss rates by double tagging some of their captured flounder. The group included Ed Shepherd (Yorktown), Scott Vinson (Williamsburg), Jay Duell (Smithfield), Lee Hughes (Virginia Beach), Jim Leiffer (Gloucester), Dorothy Elliott (Wachapreague) and Mike Handforth (Chincoteague). These anglers were selected for their expertise with flounder; they double-tagged fish from a mix of fishing locations ranging from fishing piers to other favorite flounder fishing sites in the lower bay. Their individual tag and recapture data for the flounder tag loss study are included in Table 7. (Note: these data are not included in the previous overall tag and recapture totals). Addressing Challenges Taggers generally encourage other anglers catching an undersized, tagged fish to consider writing down the tag number (or keying the tag number into their cell phone). Then the angler can report the recaptured fish when fishing slows, or at the end of the fishing day. Such releases provide a chance that the tagged fish might be recaptured again during the fishing season. Multiple recaptures of specific fish often occur at fishing piers or other popular structure sites, proven to hold fish for significant periods (often the case with flounder, black sea bass, tautog, spadefish, and triggerfish). However, during 2009, multiple recaptures of flounder and black sea bass, especially at several fishing piers, significantly strained the program s supply of merchandise rewards (limited by the program s budget). The increase in single and multiple recaptures of such fish also put unprecedented stress on the VMRC office staff. Working to improve the situation, program coordinators sent out letters in early May 2010 to all taggers requesting they use a minimum fish size limit when tagging flounder (only fish 12 inches or larger) and black sea bass (only fish 6.5 inches and larger). Compared to 2009, this approach reduced total numbers of recaptures for both species during 2010 and made program management and reward distribution more manageable. Special Database Benefits for Management & Research Speckled Trout: The North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries recently completed its Draft Fisheries Management Plan (FMP) for Spotted Seatrout, (updated February 2011). Initiated in 2007, the stock assessment encompasses all trout in both North Carolina and Virginia waters, i.e., the unit stock of speckled trout shares waters of both states. This decision was agreed upon because of tagging results from the Virginia Game Fish Tagging Program. For , 15% of trout tagged in Virginia bay and Rudee Inlet waters were recaptured during fall-early winter months in North Carolina (as far south as Wrightsville Beach, well past Cape Hatteras). The assessment concludes that the shared speckled trout (or spotted seatrout) stock is overfished. The basic objective of the FMP is to rebuild the stock to a sustainable level. Flounder: A VIMS Ph.D. student, Mark Henderson (advisor, Dr. Mary Fabrizio, VIMS Dept. of Fisheries Science), is using the program s flounder tag-recapture data as part of his broader study of the dynamics of seasonal movement of the species between lower Chesapeake Bay and off- 13

14 shore waters. He is also developing a stock assessment model that may enable him to derive an estimate of fishing mortality associated with Virginia s bay and Eastern Shore recreational fishery. A part of the research project focuses on double tagging of flounder during the fishing season by VGFTP taggers (p.13) (using both Petersen disc tags and the program s T-bar tags). This study component will provide the first measure of the variation in T-bar tag loss rates associated with different trained taggers. This information will be important both for the tagging program and for the research project and Overall Black Drum: In 2010, 85 black drum were tagged, of which 46 were adult fish (16-52 inches TL). The southern part of Fishermen s Island was the most popular tagging site for the species (n=12). As in previous years, 2010 drum recaptures were low (only two fish). The recapture rate (for fish recaptured in 2010) was approximately 2.4%. From , more than 3,000 black drum were tagged and 172 recaptures were reported (Fig. 1a, 1b), for an overall recapture rate of 5.3%. The top tagging year was 2007 (n=546) with 1995 and 2007 leading the top recapture years (n=37; n=36 respectively). The top tagging site over the past 15 years was Inner Middle Ground Shoal, and Onancock Creek was the top recapture location (Fig. 2a, 2b). (The recapture location could be influenced by anglers who were alerted to black drum caught in peeler pounds in Onancock Creek). Tagged black drum ranged from inches TL with a peak size around 8 inches TL (n=203) (Fig.3). Black Sea Bass: SPECIES RESULTS Just over 1,000 fish were tagged in In the past, many of the tagged sea bass were 5-6 inches (total length) with over 2,100 tagged at Fort Monroe Fishing Pier in A number of multiple recaptures occurred among the small fish, especially at the Fort Monroe Pier. Previous data have shown minimal movement away from tagging sites. To manage program resources better, a minimum tagging size limit of 6.5 inches was implemented in Even with this size limit in place, black sea bass had the highest recapture rate in 2010 at ~37%. Black sea bass long-term results ( ) show a total of 23,766 fish tagged and 4,227 recapture records (overall recapture rate = 17.8%) (Fig. 4a, 4b). The highest number of black sea bass were tagged in 2009 (n=3,274); 2009 was also the highest year for recapture records (n=1012). Fort Monroe was at the top of the list for tagging and recapture locations for black sea bass from (Fig. 5a, 5b). (Note: All top tagging/recapture site figures describe the proportion of tags/recaptures at the top ten sites, not the overall proportion of all tagging/recapture sites., e.g. Inner Middle Ground Shoal makes up 20% of the top ten tagging sites). Tagged black sea bass ranged in size from inches TL, with 9 inch fish at the peak (n=2,106) (Fig. 6). Cobia: In 2010, 108 cobia were tagged, of which 104 were adult fish (24-62 inches TL). The recapture rate for cobia was ~13.9%, slightly higher than 2009 (13.8%). The Baltimore Channel Buoy Line was the most popular tagging site in 2010 (n=30). The total number of cobia tagged from was 1,344 fish (Fig.7a); with 183 recapture reports (Fig. 7b). The top years for cobia tagging were 2004 (n= 184) and 2006 (187), while recaptures were highest in 2006 (n=26). Cobia had an overall recapture rate of 13.6% for the past 15 years. Inner Middle Ground Shoal was the top tagging and recapture site for the species (Fig. 8a, 8b). Tagged cobia ranged in size from 8-63 inches TL, with 34 inches (n=51) being the peak length (Fig. 9). Flounder: VAGFTP flounder show consistent patterns of recruitment within the Chesapeake Bay. From , the majority of flounder were tagged and recaptured in Virginia waters. Minimum tagging size limit restrictions were set in 2010 to better manage program activities (data entry and rewards). This decision helped to verify that the majority of single and multiple recaptures at piers and other structure sites were composed of primarily smaller fish (<12 in.). The Gloucester Point Fishing Pier was the top tagging site for the program ( ) and similar site fidelity patterns for recaptures have been 14

15 seen at the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel complex, Ocean View Fishing Pier, Fort Monroe Fishing Pier and Rudee Inlet waters. The pattern of VGFTP recaptures is similar to that of previous studies (Desfosse (1995), Kraus and Musick (2001)) with the majority of recaptures in the general tagging area. Likewise the northern and southern range for recaptures (Rhode Island and South Carolina), followed that of Desfosse (1995). Overall, the tagging program data have shown similar results to earlier flounder datasets from Virginia, providing further support for the angler-assisted tagging methodology. In 2010, approximately 5,238 flounder were tagged and 431 were recaptured. This change in numbers is a reflection of the minimum size limits. From , more than 67,480 flounder have been tagged and 7,220 recaptures have been reported (Fig. 10a, 10b), with an overall recapture rate of ~10.7%. The highest year for tagging and recaptures was 2009 (n=9,349; n=1,264 respectively). Gloucester Point Fishing Pier was the top tagging and recapture site for summer flounder over the last ten years (Fig. 11a, 11b). Tagged flounder varied in size from 4-28 inches TL, with the peak size for tagging at 12 inches TL (n=5,396) (Fig. 12). Red drum: From , >500 red drum have been tagged each year in Virginia (except 2001: n=295). During recent years, Rudee Inlet and the Hot Ditch area of the Elizabeth River have held over-wintering populations of sub-adult drum. Every winter since 1998, good numbers of red drum have been tagged at the Elizabeth River Hot Ditch, and several fish were also tagged at the York River Hot Ditch. However, tagging at the York River site was limited in 2010 and 2011, due to restricted warm water outflow. In 2010, 1,885 red drum were tagged and 274 were recaptured. From , more than 27,416 red drum were tagged and 3,289 recapture records were reported for an overall recapture rate of ~12%. The year with the highest tagging effort was 2007 and the year with the highest recaptures was 2009 (Fig. 13a, 13b). Over the past 15 years, the York River Hot Ditch was the top tagging and recapture location for the program (Fig. 14a, 14b). Tagged red drum ranged in size from inches TL, with the peak size for tagging 15 inches TL (n=2,257) (Fig. 15). Most tagged red drum were juveniles (< 30 in. TL). Sheepshead: Compared to the few sheepshead tagged in 2009, tagged fish numbers were lower (21 fish). Only one recapture was reported (Table 4). The majority of the 2010 tagged fish were within the mature size range (> 9 in. TL). Tagging effort occurred at only 5 sites, with the most number of fish tagged at the First Island of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. From , 1,185 sheepshead were tagged and 85 recaptures were reported (overall recapture rate = ~7.1%). The peak year for tagging was 2004 (n=274), with 2007 leading in recaptures (n=41) (Fig 16a, b). The York River Hot Ditch was the top tagging and recapture site for sheepshead (Fig. 17a, b), with the site making up a large majority of the top ten recapture locations (72%). These results are a result of a high number of small juvenile fish held in the York River Hot Ditch canal in Tagged sheepshead ranged in size from 4-27 inches TL, with the peak at 6 inches TL (n=89) (Fig. 18). Spadefish: There were 87 spadefish tagged in 2010 and 11 recaptured. All of the tagged spadefish were within the mature size range (> 4 in. TL). Thimble Shoals Light accounted for 39% of the tagging effort (n=34). There were over 5,323 spadefish tagged over the past 15 years; 560 recaptures were reported during this time, for an overall recapture rate of 10.5% (Fig. 19a, 19b). The year with the highest tagging effort was 2001 (n=553), with the highest number of reported recaptures in 2007 (n=73). Chesapeake Light Tower had the highest tagging and recapture effort from , (Fig. 20 a,b). Tagged spadefish ranged in size from inches TL with the peak at 13 inches TL (n=281) (Fig. 21). Speckled trout: Strong year classes of speckled trout in the recreational fishery were documented by tagging efforts in 1995, 1999, 2002, Like sub-adult drum, speckled trout overwinter in lower Bay power plants during the winter. From November 2009-March 2010 and November 2010-March 2011, good numbers of inch speckled trout (including several citations in early 2011) were tagged at the Elizabeth 15

16 River Hot Ditch. For the first time, speckled trout led the program in numbers of tagged fish (7,276), though the recapture rate was still low (2.4%) compared to the overall program average (>10%). There was also a very strong year class of in. speckled trout during From , 25,491 speckled trout were tagged and 787 recaptures were reported (~3% overall recapture rate) (Fig. 22a, b). As mentioned above, 2010 had the highest tagging effort (n=7,276) and 2008 had the highest number of recaptures (n=215). The Elizabeth River Hot Ditch was the top tagging and recapture site for speckled trout from (Fig 23 a,b). Tagged speckled trout ranged in size from inches TL, with a peak at 12 inches TL (n=2,551) (Fig 24). Tautog: Through 2010, tagging effort on tautog in Virginia waters has resulted in >14,848 fish tagged. From this effort, there have been >2,380 recaptures reported. Tag-recapture data for tautog continue to document that the species does not undergo regular seasonal movements offshore during the fall or inshore during the winter. Tautog tagged in Virginia Bay and offshore waters show no distinctive northward migration over time. From , there was an overall recapture rate of ~16% (Fig. 25 a, b). The peak year for tagging was 2006 (n=2,081), with 1999 the top year for recaptures (n=356). The top tagging and recapture site for tautog was Cape Henry Wreck (Fig. 26 a, b). Tagged tautog ranged in size from 4-42 inches TL, with the peak at 13 inches (n=1,669) (Fig. 27). (Gray) Triggerfish: During 2010 there were 95 gray triggerfish tagged, and 17 recaptures. Primarily inches total length, the majority of fish were tagged near False Cape. There were over 1,141 triggerfish tagged and 293 recaptured from (Fig. 28a, b). Triggerfish had a high overall recapture rate of ~25.7%. False Cape was the top tagging site for triggerfish over the past 15 years (Fig. 29a). The year with the highest effort was 2007 (n=262); 2008 had the highest number of recaptures (n=76). The Virginia Beach Oceanfront was the top recapture location (Fig. 29b). Tagged triggerfish ranged in size from inches TL, with the peak size at 13 inches (n=75) (Fig. 30). Conclusion In 2010, the overall fishing effort and resulting tagging effort declined compared to These changes in reported data could be a reflection of the minimum tagging size limits for flounder and black sea bass, both having very high tagging effort in the past. Another possible impact could be the economic recession; it is possible that fewer anglers were able to fuel their boats for extended fishing trips. On a positive note, increased used of dart tags (compared to T-bar tags) in speckled trout and red drum in the Elizabeth River area may ultimately result in some recaptures of such fish exhibiting longer times at large than the usual case for the species. This report offers a first look at the extended patterns in program data from Long-term program trends show positive trends for tagging effort and recaptures for most species. Overall, from , >171,000 fish from 10 different species have been tagged and ~10% (n 17,000) of these fish have been recaptured. These data provided fish movement and site-fidelity patterns of fish captured and released in Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic coastal waters. VGFTP data have also provided an alternative source of information for marine fisheries management. In the past 15 years, more than 500 taggers have been trained and participated in the program and fishing effort has been documented at over 900 locations in Virginia waters. The VGFTP is a unique and exceptional source of data regarding recreationally important marine fish. Future analysis of long-term trends in the VGFTP data will continue with the most recent results available online: This report is considered a living document with edited versions posted at the previously mentioned weblink. The success of the program is due to the dedicated anglers who collect and report data and contribute their time and effort toward building a better picture of Virginia s marine fish. 16

17 References: Desfosse, J Movements and ecology of summer flounder, Paralichthys dentatus, tagged in the southern Mid- Atlantic Bight. College of William & Mary, Williamsburg, VA, PhD Dissertation, 187 pp. Kraus, R. T Tagging and habitat utilization of juvenile summer flounder, Paralichthys dentatus. College of William & Mary, Williamsburg, VA, M.S. Thesis, 148 pp. Kraus, R.T. and J.A. Musick A brief interpretation of summer flounder, Paralicthys dentatus, movements and stock structure with new tagging data on juveniles. Mar. Fish. Rev. 63 (3):1-6. North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries Fisheries Management Plans. May 31,

18 Tables 18

19 Table 1. Virginia Game Fish Tagging Program Annual Tagging Awards Category Most Recaptured Fish (total) Ed Shepherd 746 Ed Shepherd 794 Ed Shepherd 1,018 Ed Shepherd 553ª Most Tagged Fish (total) Ed Shepherd 4,323 Ed Shepherd 4,030 Ed Shepherd 5,336 Ed Shepherd 2,221ª Most Tagged Black Drum Ed Shepherd 267 Doug Wehner 12 Bill Knapp 18 Dave Griffith 11 Most Tagged Black Sea Bass Rob Collins 335 Susan Harrell 396 Ed Shepherd 1,862 Ed Shepherd 599 Most Tagged Cobia Jim Jenrette 21 James Johnson 12 Jorj Head 14 Jorj Head 82 Most Tagged Flounder Ed Shepherd 2,398 Ed Shepherd 1,734 Ed Shepherd 2,737 Ed Shepherd 1,232ª Most Tagged Red Drum Ed Shepherd 1,061 Ed Shepherd 1,448 Ed Shepherd 632 Jim Robinson 381 Most Tagged Sheepshead Ed Shepherd 202 Kevin Whitley 16 Kevin Whitley 179 Kevin Whitley 10 Most Tagged Spadefish Dan Peters 69 Kevin Whitley 150 Kevin Whitley 172 Carl Stover 34 Most Tagged Speckled Trout Ed Lawrence 392 Ed Shepherd 630 Sheldon Arey 920 Sheldon Arey 1,748 Most Tagged Tautog Bill Knapp 174 Rob Collins 301 Ken Neil 134 Rob Collins 146 Most Tagged Triggerfish, Robert W. Collins 145 Robert Collins 96 Rob Collins 92 Rob Collins 79 a E. Shepherd assisted VIMS special flounder research project (in part to assess T-bar tag loss rates applicable to Game Fish Tagging Program flounder tag-recapture data); he double tagged (with T-bar and Petersen disc tags) an additional 455 flounder, producing 65 additional recaptures of the double -tagged fish; therefore, his actual overall totals for 2009 were: 618 recaptured fish; 2,676 tagged fish; and 2,737 tagged flounder. 19

20 Table 2. VGFTP, 2010 Tagging Awards: Winners and Runners-Up Most Tagged Fish Overall Number Tagged First Place: Ed Shepherd 2221 Runner-up: Sheldon Arey 1934 Most Recaptured Fish First Place: Ed Shepherd 553 Runner-up: Jim Robinson 94 Most Tagged Black Drum First Place: Dave Griffith 11 Runner-up: Doug Wehner 8 Most Tagged Black Sea Bass First Place: Ed Shepherd 599 Runner-up: Susan Harrell 122 Most Tagged Cobia First Place: Jorj Head 82 Runner-up: Wes Blow 7 Most Tagged Flounder First Place: Ed Shepherd 1232 Runner-up: Jay Duel 273 Most Tagged Red Drum First Place: Jim Robinson 381 Runners-up: Jay Duell 124 John Dunn 109 (*note: Dunn & Duell tied at time of awards; Duell 1 st runner up as of 5/4/11) Most Tagged Sheepshead First Place: Kevin Whitley 10 Runner-up (TIE): Bill Knapp and Jim Robinson 3 Most Tagged Spadefish First Place: Carl Stover 34 Runner-up: Rob Collins 12 Most Tagged Speckled Trout First Place: Sheldon Arey 1748 Runner-up: Jim Robinson 1237 Most Tagged Tautog First Place: Rob Collins 146 Runner-up: Bill Knapp 121 Most Tagged Triggerfish First Place: Rob Collins 79 Runner-up: Lance Stitcher 9 20

21 Table 3. Taggers Awarded Conservation Certificates for Tagging 25 or More Fish during 2010 (by total fish tagged) 21

22 Table 3. Taggers Awarded Conservation Certificates for Tagging 25 or More Fish during 2010 (by total fish tagged) continued 22

23 Table 4. Taggers Having 5 or More Fish Recaptured during 2010 (by total fish recaptured) 23

24 Table 5. VGFTP Tagged and Recaptured Fish by Species and Year ( ) Year Black Drum Black Sea Bass Cobia Flounder Red Drum This report accounts for double tagging and counts the number of fish that were tagged and not the number of tags. Double tag info is valid for 2008 and after. For recaptures, this report counts the number of fish recaptured and does not count multiple recaptures of the same fish. The first, smaller number is the number of recaptured fish and the second, larger number is the number of tagged fish. Sheeps- head Spade Fish Speckled /84 237/1,003 15/ /5, /1,866 1/19 11/87 163/7,276 77/682 17/95 1,228/16, / /3,272 8/36 1,097/9, /3,110 8/225 20/390 97/3, /540 38/133 2,537/20, / /2,684 7/64 769/7, /4,504 2/40 36/ /3, /745 69/211 1,959/19, / /1,875 13/71 947/8, /3,353 28/229 69/433 59/2, /954 37/262 2,148/19,219 Total Recaps/ Trout Tautog Trigger- 46/985 1,439/8,834 43/279 3,244/31,055 1,719/12,833 39/ /1, /16, /2, /701 7,872/75,948 Fish Total 24

25 Table 6. VGFTP Total Number of Tags and Overall Recapture Rates ( ). (Smaller number= # recaptures/larger number=# tags). Year Black Drum Black Sea Bass Cobia Flounder Red Drum Sheeps- head Spade Fish Speckled /85 374/1,003 15/ /5, /1,885 1/21 12/87 177/7,276 78/682 17/95 1,431/16, /172 1,012/3,274 8/36 1,264/9, /3,133 8/225 20/391 99/3, /541 39/176 3,109/20, / /2,687 8/66 866/7, /4,925 2/40 41/ /3, /745 76/212 2,200/20, / /1,875 13/71 1,060/8, /3,364 41/229 73/433 60/2, /955 47/262 2,371/19, / /1,268 26/ /6, /4,153 0/176 28/221 51/1, /2,081 32/79 1,925/16, / /686 4/98 621/6,123 42/794 3/185 21/173 29/1, /822 4/23 973/10, /232 70/1,012 5/ /7,286 23/503 27/274 43/299 26/ /1,221 41/193 1,016/12, /176 88/922 11/14 397/3, /2,270 0/6 26/236 8/361 59/497 12/31 963/8, / /1,732 15/63 317/3, /2,752 1/10 55/470 23/1, /653 23/56 1,053/10, / /1,913 19/87 636/6,880 27/295 1/7 49/553 13/ /951 2/14 1,215/11, / / /65 161/ /1,124 1/12 60/523 11/ /713 0/0 912/7, /90 384/2,139 16/59 4/4 135/1,073 0/0 25/233 16/ /1,923 0/0 973/6, / /2,655 13/73 3/28 92/551 0/0 38/476 29/ /1,347 0/0 881/5, /72 48/592 9/108 2/38 44/438 0/0 36/547 12/440 77/914 0/0 233/3, /85 0/0 9/75 0/6 4/92 0/0 8/189 4/409 74/543 0/0 102/1, /200 0/0 2/50 0/3 2/66 0/0 25/193 14/601 30/260 0/0 110/1,374 Total Recaps/Tag Overall Recapture Rate Trout Tautog Trigger- 172/3,231 4,227/23, /1,344 7,232/67,560 3,293/27,418 85/1, /5, /25,941 2,388/14, /1,141 19,467/171, % 17.8% 13.6% 10.7% 12% 7.2% 10.5% 3% 16.1% 25.7% 11.3% For recaptures, this table counts the total number of recaptures, including recaptures of the same fish. Fish Total 25

26 Table 7. Number of tagged and recaptured flounder, VIMS Double-Tagging Study, 2010 Data courtesy of Mark Henderson ANGLER NUMBER of TAGGED FLOUNDER RECAPTURES Scott Vinson 36 6 Lee Hughes 23 5 Jim Leiffer 26 0 Jay Duell Ed Shepherd Dorothy Elliott 42 1 Mike Handforth

27 Figures 27

28 Figure 1a. Total Number of Tagged Black Drum, VGFTP, Total Number of Tagged Black Drum, Figure 1b. Total Number of Black Drum Recaptures, VGFTP, Total Number of Black Drum Recaptures,

29 Figure 2a. Top Black Drum Tagging Sites, VGFTP, Top 10 Black Drum Tagging Sites, CBBT, 1st Island 5% Elizabeth River- Hot Ditch 6% Barrier Islands Surf, Unspecified 5% Onancock Creek 5% CBBT, 3rd Island 4% Inner Middle Ground Shoal 26% CBBT, 2nd Island 7% Latimer Shoal (RN 16 Buoy) 11% York River Hot Ditch 15% Virginia Beach Surf 16% Figure 2b. Top Black Drum Recapture Sites, VGFTP, Top 10 Black Drum Recapture Sites, Oregon Inlet, N.C. 4% Nags Head, N.C. CBBT, 1st Island 3% 2% CBBT, Seagull Fishing Pier 2% Rudee Inlet 3% Elizabeth R.-South Branch 5% Elizabeth River- Hot Ditch 7% Elizabeth River (Hot Ditch) CE 12% Onancock Creek 31% York River Hot Ditch 31% 29

30 Figure 3. Black Drum Tagging Size Frequencies,

31 Figure 4a. Total Number of Tagged Black Sea Bass, VGFTP, Total Number Tagged Black Sea Bass, Figure 4b. Total Number of Black Sea Bass Recaptures, VGFTP, Total Black Sea Bass Recaptures,

32 Figure 5a. Top Black Sea Bass Tagging Sites, VGFTP, Top 10 Black Sea Bass Tagging Sites, Lynnhaven Inlet Santore Wreck 5% 6% CBBT, 2nd Island 6% Fort Monroe Area/Pier 20% CBBT, 3rd Island 7% CBBT, 1st Island 7% Tiger Wreck 7% Long Creek 9% 4A Buoy Drydock Wreck 16% Chesapeake Light Tower Reef 17% Figure 5b. Top Black Sea Bass Recapture Sites, VGFTP, Top Ten Black Sea Bass Recapture Sites, CBBT, 1st Island 3% Tiger Wreck 4% Santore Wreck 3% CBBT, 2nd Island 3% Ocean View Fishing Pier 3% Gloucester Point Fishing Pier 5% CBBT, Seagull Fishing Pier 7% Fort Monroe Area/Pier 43% Chesapeake Light Tower Reef 11% 4A Buoy Drydock Wreck 18% 32

33 Figure 6. Black Sea Bass Tagging Size Frequencies,

34 Figure 7a. Total Number of Tagged Cobia, VGFTP, Total Number of Tagged Cobia, Figure 7b. Total Number of Cobia Recaptures, VGFTP, Total Number of Cobia Recaptures,

35 Figure 8a. Top Cobia Tagging Sites, VGFTP, Top 10 Cobia Tagging Sites, Off Back River 5% CBBT, 12 Mile Post 5% York Spit 4% Off Sandbridge Oceanfront 4% 36A Buoy (Old C-10 Buoy) 7% Latimer Shoal (RN 16 Buoy) 9% Bluefish Rock 6% Baltimore Channel Buoy Line 11% Inner Middle Ground Shoal 25% York River (lower) 24% Figure 8b. Top Cobia Recapture Sites, VGFTP, Top 10 Cobia Recapture Sites, CBBT, 4th Island 5% York River (lower) 6% York Spit Light 4% Cabbage Patch, C18 Buoy, old C4 7% Inner Middle Ground Shoal 26% Elizabeth River- Hot Ditch 7% York Spit 8% Off Back River 9% Bluefish Rock 9% Latimer Shoal (RN 16 Buoy) 19% 35

36 Figure 9. Cobia Tagging Size Frequencies,

37 Figure 10a. Total Number of Tagged Flounder, VGFTP, Total Number of Tagged Flounder, Figure 10b. Total Number of Flounder Recaptures, VGFTP, Total Number Flounder Recaptures,

38 Figure 11a. Top Flounder Tagging Sites, VGFTP, Top 10 Flounder Tagging Sites, Fort Monroe Area/Pier 5% Willoughby Spit Jetty 5% Buckroe Beach Pier 5% Hampton Bar 4% Ocean View Fishing Pier 5% Kiptopeake State Park Reef 4% Gloucester Point Fishing Pier 29% CBBT, 4th Island 6% Rudee Inlet 15% Hampton Roads Tunnel 22% Figure 11b. Top Flounder Recapture Sites, Grandview Fishing Pier 4% VGFTP, Top 10 Flounder Recapture Sites, Willoughby Spit Jetty 3% Fort Monroe Area/Pier 5% Naval Base Fishing Pier 3% Kiptopeake State Park Reef 2% Ocean View Fishing Pier 6% Gloucester Point Fishing Pier 29% Buckroe Beach Pier 8% Hampton Roads Tunnel 18% Rudee Inlet 22% 38

39 Figure 12. Flounder Tagging Size Frequencies,

40 Figure 13a. Total Number of Tagged Red Drum, VGFTP, Total Number Tagged Red Drum, Figure 13b. Total Number of Red Drum Recaptures, VGFTP, Total Number of Red Drum Recaptures,

41 Figure 14a. Top Red Drum Tagging Sites, VGFTP, Top 10 Red Drum Tagging Sites, Little Creek/Jetties 3% Elizab. R., Norfolk Ports. Waterfrt. 4% Inner Middle Ground Shoal 2% Elizabeth River (Hot Ditch) CE 6% Lynnhaven Inlet 10% Lynnhaven River 3% Hampton Roads Tunnel 2% York River Hot Ditch 29% Rudee Inlet 19% Elizabeth River- Hot Ditch 22% Figure 14b. Top Red Drum Recapture Sites, VGFTP, Top 10 Red Drum Recapture Sites, Elizab. R., Norfolk Ports. Waterfrt. 3% Lynnhaven River 3% Lynnhaven Inlet 6% Elizab. R.-Southern Branch Lynnhaven Inlet 2% Bridge 2% York River (lower) 6% Elizabeth River (Hot Ditch) CE 7% Rudee Inlet 17% York River Hot Ditch 29% Elizabeth River-Hot Ditch 25% 41

42 Figure 15. Red Drum Tagging Size Frequencies,

43 Figure 16a. Total Number of Tagged Sheepshead, VGFTP, Total Number Tagged Sheepshead, Figure 16b. Total Number of Sheepshead Recaptures, VGFTP, Total Number Sheepshead Recaptures,

44 Figure 17a. Top Sheepshead Tagging Sites, VGFTP, Top 10 Sheepshead Tagging Sites, Elizab. R.-Southern branch 2% CBBT, Big D Rudee Inlet Wreck 3% 2% CBBT, 3rd Island 4% CBBT, 4th Island 6% York River (lower) 2% CBBT, 1st Island 7% York River Hot Ditch 44% CBBT, 2nd Island 14% Rudee Inlet Jetty 16% Figure 17b. Top Sheepshead Recapture Sites, VGFTP, Top 10 Sheepshead Recapture Sites, Rudee Inlet Jetty 4% CBBT, 2nd Island 3% Rudee Inlet 5% Oregon Inlet, N.C. 6% CBBT, 1st Island 2% Frisco Fishing Pier, 1% York River-Amoco Dock 7% York River Hot Ditch 72% 44

45 Figure 18. Sheepshead Tagging Size Frequencies,

46 Figure 19a. Total Number of Tagged Spadefish, VGFTP, Total Number Tagged Spadefish, Figure 19b. Total Number of Spadefish Recaptures, VGFTP, Total Number Spadefish Recaptures,

47 Figure 20a. Top Spadefish Tagging Sites, CBBT, 3rd Island 3% VGFTP, Top 10 Spadefish Tagging Sites, Tiger Wreck 3% CBBT, Yancey Wreck 5% CBBT, 4th Island 6% Wolf Trap Light 7% Dump Site Buoy off VA. Beach 3% Santore Wreck 3% Chesapeake Light Tower 49% The Cell; WT-2 Buoy 9% Anglo- American Wreck 12% Figure 20b. Top Spadefish Recapture Sites,

48 Figure 21. Spadefish Tagging Size Frequencies,

49 Figure 22a. Total Number of Tagged Speckled Trout, VGFTP, Total Number Tagged Speckled Trout, Figure 22b. Total Number of Speckled Trout Recaptures, VGFTP, Total Number Speckled Trout Recaptures,

50 Figure 23a. Top Speckled Trout Tagging Sites, VGFTP, Top 10 Speckled Trout Tagging Sites, Hampton Roads Tunnel 3% Lynnhaven Inlet 7% Elizabeth R.- Southern Branch 10% Plantation Creek 3% Elizabeth R.-Hot Ditch 20% Ware River 10% Lynnhaven R. 14% Elizabeth R.-Hot Ditch (CE) 10% York River Hot Ditch 10% Rudee Inlet 13% Figure 23b. Top Speckled Trout Recapture Sites, VGFTP, Top 10 Speckled Trout Recapture Sites, Lynnhaven Inlet Ware River 2% 3% Lynnhaven R. 2% Elizabeth R.- Southern Branch 3% Rudee Inlet 7% Elizab. R.- Gilmerton Bridge 1% Elizab. R. Deep Creek-Hot Ditch 1% Elizabeth R.-Hot Ditch (CE) 14% Elizabeth R.-Hot Ditch 38% York River Hot Ditch 29% 50

51 Figure 24. Speckled Trout Tagging Size Frequencies,

52 Figure 25a. Total Number of Tagged Tautog, VGFTP, Total Number Tagged Tautog, Figure 25b. Total Number of Tautog Recaptures, VGFTP, Total Number Tautog Recaptures,

53 Figure 26a. Top Tautog Tagging Sites, VGFTP, Top 10 Tautog Tagging Sites, CBBT, 3rd Island 7% Mussel Beds NW of Cape Charles 9% Concrete Ships at Kiptopeake 7% Back R. Artificial Reef 10% Chesap. Light Tower Reef 10% Santore Wreck 5% Cape Henry Wreck 15% CBBT, 2nd Island 12% CBBT, 4th Island 13% CBBT, 1st Island 12% Figure 26b. Top Tautog Recapture Sites, VGFTP, Top 10 Tautog Recapture Sites, Westmoreland Wreck 6% Unidentified Structure, Cape Henry 6% CBBT, 3rd Island 7% Back R. Artificial Reef 8% Chesap. Light Tower Reef 10% Concrete Ships at Kiptopeake 5% CBBT, 2nd Island 11% Cape Henry Wreck 21% CBBT, 4th Island 15% CBBT, 1st Island 11% 53

54 Figure 27. Tautog Tagging Size Frequencies,

55 Figure 28a. Total Number of Tagged Triggerfish, VGFTP, Total Number Tagged Triggerfish, Figure 28b. Total Number of Triggerfish Recaptures, VGFTP, Total Number Triggerfish Recaptures,

56 Figure 29a. Top Triggerfish Tagging Sites, VGFTP, Top 10 Triggerfish Tagging Sites, CBBT, 2nd Island 4% Off Sandbridge Oceanfront 4% Marble Ship Wreck 6% CBBT, 1st Island 8% Tiger Wreck 3% Anglo-American Wreck 3% False Cape Area 31% Chesapeake Light Tower 11% CBBT, 3rd Island 14% Off VA. Beach Oceanfront 16% Figure 29b. Top Triggerfish Recapture Sites, VGFTP, Top 10 Triggerfish Recapture Sites, CBBT, 2nd Island 5% Anglo-American Wreck 4% Back River Artificial Reef 4% CBBT, 1st Island 7% Off VA. Beach Oceanfront 22% CBBT, Big D Wreck 8% Channel Wreck, Off 3rd Island 11% CBBT, 3rd Island 9% False Cape Area 19% Off Sandbridge Oceanfront 11% 56

57 Figure 30. Triggerfish Tagging Size Frequencies,

58 Appendix A: 2010 Tagging Program Target Species Poster 58

59 Appendix B: 2010 Tagging Program Equipment 59