Tarpon (Megalops atlanticus) Genetic Recapture Study

Transcription

1 Tarpon (Megalops atlanticus) Genetic Recapture Study FWC CONTRACT NO AMENDMENT #3 FINAL PROJECT PROGRESS REPORT PROPOSED TASKS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS FEBRUARY 22, 2014 MARCH 15, 2014 PREPARED FOR: KATHY GUINDON, PH.D. ASSISTANT RESEARCH SCIENTIST FLORIDA FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION FISH & WILDLIFE RESEARCH INSTITUTE 100 EIGHTH AVENUE SE ST. PETERSBURG, FL PREPARED BY: CAROLE NEIDIG, M.S. AND THOMAS KING, PH.D. MOTE MARINE LABORATORY DIRECTORATE FOR FISHERIES & AQUACULTURE 1600 KEN THOMPSON PARKWAY SARASOTA, FL March 19, 2014 MML Technical Report No. 1767

2 Mote Marine Laboratory Tarpon (Megalops atlanticus) Genetic Recapture Study FINAL PROGRESS REPORT PROPOSED TASKS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS FEBRUARY 22, 2014 MARCH 15, 2014 During the grant period Mote Marine Laboratory (MML) Directorate of Fisheries and Aquaculture continued to work in partnership with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) to conduct and coordinate the Tarpon (Megalops atlanticus) Genetic Recapture Study (TGRS) around the state of Florida. The goal of the TGRS was to engage anglers in providing DNA samples and corresponding tarpon capture data to use in the evaluation of migration and movement of individual fish recapture rates, connectivity of tarpon between bodies of Florida waters, fish survival, and with time, determine if juvenile tarpon caught in Florida provide adult tarpon to Florida s recreational fishery. The FWRI partnership with MML staff and volunteers was an asset in strengthening and expanding the study around the entire coastal area of Florida. The TGRS Team worked to increase recreational and professional tarpon angler citizen scientists as stakeholders by having them contribute DNA samples and corresponding fish capture information from All Tarpon-Anywhere, Any Size, as well as involving businesses (e.g. bait and tackle shops) to help promote the study around the state. The combined efforts of the TGRS FWRI and MML Team in this research has been the key to our success of collecting valuable biological and fishery data necessary for assessing tarpon stocks. Included herein are itemized accomplishments for the proposed tasks for the fourth report period of February 22, 2014 through March 15, 2014, with note of accomplishments of proposed actions for the full grant period of April 1, 2013 through March 15, 2014 (many of these accomplishments were also included in more detail in previous Progress Reports). Participants The MML portion of the TGRS was directed by Carole Neidig, M.S., Staff Scientist and Thomas King, Ph.D., Senior Biologist. Study assistance was provided by MML staff from other departments and MML Directorate of Fisheries and Aquaculture volunteers. Assistance by MML staff other than C. Neidig and T. King during the contract period included: Laura Emmons and Tracey Jackson, Receptionists, kept a minimum of 25 sampling kits and associated handouts to provide to interested visiting anglers at the MML Reception desk, she also kept a plastic container at the desk for holding DNA samples dropped off by anglers. She was also responsible for contacting T. King when samples were delivered. 1

3 Dan Bebak, Aquarium Director and his staff and volunteers directed interested visiting anglers to the MML reception desk to obtain TGRS informational brochures, Bethany Lloyd, Mote Aquarium Mobile Exhibit (MAME) director and MAME volunteers (including Ray Walborn, TGRS volunteer) were available to present the study and distribute DNA sampling kits at community events, Jason Wolf, Mote Florida Keys Development Officer, promoted the study in Monroe County, and Captain Philip O Bannon, Director of the Mote Boca Grande satellite office (BG) (open to the public), promoted the TGRS and provided sampling kits and brochures to interested anglers. The BG MML office continued to feature a framed 11 x 17 TGRS poster, a display box of DNA sampling kits, study brochures, and a 50 gallon aquarium holding juvenile tarpon. The TGRS Sea Grant video was shown to visitors on three flat screen televisions in the office. In addition to the two primary MML staff, we were fortunate to have a team of fifteen (seasonal and resident) volunteers and a college and a high school senior intern who all provided invaluable assistance. Many of the volunteers assisted weekly and each volunteer had assigned responsibilities related to the study. The volunteers included the following retired professionals, John Arbuckle, Fran Bays, Diane Glaesel, Dick Helvig, Captain Bobby Hilbrunner, Marcia Kagan, Stanley Rodak, Joan Tozzo, Cindy McClure, John McClure, Roger Mitchell, Bob Steskal, Myna Rose Van Sleet, Ray Walborn, and Janice Wojick. The interns were Alicia Vollmer (Florida State University) and Chadwick Vollmer (Lakewood Ranch High School, AP Program). Additional volunteers were available to assist when needed. Mote TGRS volunteers were integral Study team members, keeping both FWRI and MML stocked with sampling kits for distribution and taking responsibility for a multitude of other tasks important to making the TGRS a success. Some of their many responsibilities during the contract period are listed below and are further described in this report. DNA Sampling Kits maintained inventory of sampling kit supplies purchased by MML and supplied by FWRI kept supplies organized and secured prepared materials to assemble sampling kits printed kit bag labels, instruction sheets, and data slip sheets cut and folded data slips prepared data slips in groups of three folded instructions sheets patterned and cut scrub pads to size placed identifying sequence label on each vial place transparent tape over vial label to secure prepared dilutions of 20% ETOH for vials 2

4 filled vials with 20 ml ETOH secured cap vials assembled sampling kits placed TGRS label on front of bag placed 3 ETOH labeled vials at bottom of bag set 3 scrub pads on top of vials placed one folded instruction sheet behind vials in back of bag placed 3 folded data slips in front of vials placed one golf pencil in bag pressed air out of bag prior to closing the zip top organized sampling kits into boxes of 100 each and labeled box with year that was on vial labels (e.g. MAT14) maintained an inventory of assembled sampling kits provided to FWRI provided to shops provided at MML attended events, and distributed during travel to promote the Study produce monthly summary status of sampling kit inventory made special sampling kits for tournaments upon request by FWRI (e.g. special colored scrub pads to identify that kits were used in the tournament) provided empty vial storage cardboard racks to FWRI for storage of returned vials containing DNA samples Posters performed internet searches, media hard copy searches, phone calls and s to identify possible poster display locations established locations, besides bait and tackle shops, including angler supply shops, businesses, boat ramps, city, county and national parks with seawater access, around the state to post TGRS posters kept in contact with poster site representatives to ask if poster display sites required replacement posters printed and laminated three posters sizes (81/2 x 11 vertical and horizontal and 11 x 17 horizontal) maintained inventory of each size of poster maintained Excel list of poster locations and contact information updated (as needed) FWRI SharePoint site with new poster locations Promotional Materials kept inventory of promotional materials printed Tarpon Quick Fact sheets acquired Tarpon Estimated Weight postcards from Bonefish and Tarpon Trust printed TGRS note cards and postcards to send to anglers and businesses 3

5 Media performed internet searches and media hard copy searches for articles or postings concerning the TGRS printed articles and postings, stored them in protective plastic sleeves and cataloged them into an MML notebook and provide copies to FWRI obtained articles located by FWRI staff and cataloged and stored them for reference and display at events maintained Excel list of media references and any links to those that were posted online Donations identified possible national and local businesses to contact for possible donations for the TGRS Study solicited donation items at angler events contacted and sent TGRS information (hard copies or electronic) to businesses to obtain products for angler bi-monthly and year end awards traveled to meet contributors and pick up donated items (when needed) maintained Excel spreadsheet of items donated, value, and business information submitted MML donation forms and receipts to the MML Donation Office Proposed Tasks For The Current Contract Year As the partner in this important study MML staff and volunteers proposed to complete the following tasks during the contract period. Funding support for the TGRS MML work was from the current contract award through FWC FWRI from Sportfish Restoration Funds and funds acquired by MML through fundraisers and private and business donations and Foundation awards. Funds raised and or awarded were important in helping to expand the TGRS state-wide by supplementing MML travel expenses, mailing posters, kits and packages to retrieve samples, printing, purchasing supplies, and enabling us to purchase annual reward t-shirts (dependent on a specific business donation. Tarpon DNA Sampling Kits - Assemble and Distribute Tarpon DNA Sampling Kits were necessary for anglers to collect DNA samples from tarpon. The sampling kits included TGRS educational material and the supplies needed to take noninvasive DNA samples from individual fish. Supplies for kits were purchased by FWRI and MML, the kits were assembled by MML, and were provided by both FWRI and MML at no cost to individual anglers, participating shops, and to coordinators of angling events targeting tarpon. The sampling kits evolved over the study based on feedback from anglers. There were two types of kits, including an Angler TGRS Sampling Kit with supplies for sampling three fish and a Captain s TGRS Sampling Kit for sampling up to twelve tarpon. The Angler TGRS Sampling Kit consisted of the following: 4

6 (3) data form slips printed on waterproof paper for the angler to record fish capture date, time, county, location, approximate total length, time it took to capture the fish, and angler contact information, (1) number 2 golf pencil, (3) 20mL plastic vials containing 20% ETOH storage solution, (3) rectangular pieces of 3M maroon abrasive scrub pads, and folded instruction sheet describing study background, objectives, and methods for taking a DNA sample (printed on 28 lb glossy paper). The Captain s TGRS Sampling Kit was assembled in one gallon size plastic Ziploc bags and included: (12) data form slips printed on waterproof paper for the angler to record fish capture date, time, location, approximate total length, time it took to capture the fish, and angler contact information, (1) number 2 pencil, (12) 20mL plastic vials containing 20% ETOH storage solution, and (12) rectangular pieces of 3M maroon abrasive scrub pads. An instruction sheet was not included in these kits since they were distributed to anglers who had already participated in the study. MML Proposed Actions update kits (yearly, as needed) as agreed by the TGRS FWRI and MML Team acquire supplies (quarterly, as needed) for kits through FWRI and MML print kit front labels, instruction sheets, sequential vial labels, and data form slips (quarterly, or as needed) assemble Tarpon DNA sampling kits (100 monthly, as needed) and keep at least 500 kits in reserve (assembly includes cutting scrub pads, labeling vials, securing labels on vials, preparing ETOH stock solution, filling vials with 20% ETOH, affixing labels to kit bags, folding instruction sheets, cutting and folding data form slips, placing sampling items in bags in appropriate order, and packing kits in labeled boxes of 100) keep inventory of kits made and distributed (monthly) provide kits (monthly, as needed), to fulfill participating shops, events, and FWRI requests coordinate mailing, pick up, or drop off of DNA samples from shops (monthly, as needed) review DNA samples to confirm or clarify fish capture, information recorded by angler (monthly, as samples come in from shops) deliver DNA samples to FWRI for processing (monthly, when samples are provided by shops or anglers) 5

7 Accomplishments February 22, 2014 March 15, 2014 assembled sampling kits using MAT14 labels (assembled sampling kits with MAT 13 labels until December 2013) printed allotment of 2,500 additional MAT14 vial sequence labels (more than 8,000 vial labels were printed) purchased DNA Sampling Kit supplies - 12 rolls of transparent tape to secure vial labels, 3 rolls of shipping tape, two reams of waterproof paper for printing sampling kit data slips, and 4reams of 28 lb copier paper for instruction sheets (numerous supplies such as these were purchased during the study) obtained supplies purchased by FWRI - 2,000 sample (numerous supplies such as these were purchased by FWRI and were listed in each Progress Report) photocopied 1000 sheets of data form slips on Rite in the Rain waterproof paper, and cut, and folded 2,500 kit data form slips (there 4,400 sheets copied and 22,000 data slips made during the study) photocopied and folded 1,500 kit instruction sheets (more than 8,000 were prepared for the study) assembled 500 Angler Kits and 30 Captain Sampling Kits, with a stock of 900 Angler kits available for distribution (more than 7,500 sampling kits, including Captain Kits, Angler Kits, and special tournament kits were prepared during the study) provided 400 sampling kits to FWRI for distribution in February 2014 (2,600 were provided directly to FWRI during the study) mailed 15 Sampling Kits to fill requests from participating shops in February 2014; kits sent to the east and west coast and south Florida were limited (more than 1,330 sampling kits were mailed to shops by MML during the study and more than 1,500 were delivered during visits) DNA Sampling Kit Distribution and Sample Collection Locations Involve and Maintain To promote the TGRS to anglers it was imperative to involve bait and tackle shops state-wide as participants, they were instrumental in promoting the TGRS to their local anglers. The shops were provided with sampling kits, a plastic box for kit storage (if requested), posters for display, promotional brochures, Tarpon Quickfact sheets, a copy of the most recent newsletter, and a business cards with T. King s contact information. During the study some shops changed ownership, moved, or closed, and new ones opened. There were some shops that were removed from the list because of lack of participation or they expressed that they were no longer a good fit for the study. 6

8 The shops helped by providing sampling kits to anglers, encouraging angler participation, and were locations where anglers could drop off their samples. The current list of 221 shops were maintained by MML and listed on the FWC website (MyFWC.com/Research). MML Proposed Actions contact at least 120 participating shops (monthly) that need coverage in a particular region, based on previous inquires or requests by that shop receive calls (monthly) from shops that have requested that they will call MML when they need supplies or have samples invite new bait and tackle shops around the state to participate by contacting (two new potential shops, quarterly); this is dependent on new shops opening since most existing shops have been contacted. In addition, K. Guindon and C. Gardinal (FWRI) provide potential new shop information to MML visit shops in critical areas (annually), including the Northwest, Northeast, and Florida Keys remind shop staff to contact MML staff or the FWC Toll Free Hotline for supply needs maintain Shop Notebook with shop contact information (monthly), update the participating shop list (monthly, as needed) on the internal FWRI Share Point site notify David Westmark (FWRI) and Chris Gardinal (FWRI) (monthly, as needed) of the changes made to the shop list so that they can use the file to update the FWC, FWRI TGRS Website page provide annual Certificate of Appreciation to each shop with the Annual Newsletter provided by FWRI print participating shop lists for angler events (as updated and needed for events) provide electronic copies of the list to Kay Frantz (FWC Administrative Assistant) at the Stock Enhancement Research Facility (SERF) to use as reference for anglers who call the FWC Fish Tag Hotline (as needed) provide shop list to G. Russo (FWC, SERF) for use during outreach activities (as needed) Accomplishments November 1, 2013 February 21, 2014 involved as many as 226 participating shops and had 221 participating as of March 2014 provided shops (in person or by mail) with sampling kits, posters, Tarpon Quick Fact Sheets, and TGRS brochures as needed during the study C. Neidig and T. King traveled from Tallahassee to Chiefland on April 4-5 and visited 18 participating shops. During the trip, one business was added to the list and one shop was changed to a poster location only. The trip included promoting the TGRS to staff and customers, providing sampling kits, newsletters, brochures, and handouts, replacing worn posters, adding additional posters, inquiring about providing presentations, 7

9 obtaining contact information about potential interested local guides or recreational anglers, and meeting with guides and recreational anglers and requesting their participation (reported in Project Initiation Report) C. Neidig and T. King traveled to the Northeast Coast of Florida from June 7-11 and visited participating shops, poster locations, and marinas from Jacksonville to Vero Beach. The first day of the trip was spent at a participating Jacksonville West Marine for their Ocean s Day Event, where we had a table display and provided a Power Point presentation of the TGRS. At the shops we spoke to staff and customers, provided sampling kits, newsletters, brochures, and handouts, replacing worn posters, adding additional posters, obtained contact information about potential interested local guides or recreational anglers, and met with guides and recreational anglers and requested their participation. One shop in Port St. Lucie requested to be removed from list, while others were all very enthusiastic (reported in the second progress report) C. Neidig and T. King traveled to the Florida Keys from June and visited five participating shops and brought on board three shops including the Islamorada Chamber of Commerce. During the trip, several new posters were posted. The trip included a presentation to the Islamorada Fisheries Conservation Trust board of directors to update them about the TGRS and to apply for a grant to help further promote the TGRS in Florida (reported in the second progress report) C. Neidig and K. Guindon travelled to the Panhandle from August and visited shops and marinas from Pensacola to Yankeetown. There were 28 shops visited and six new poster locations identified. We had many opportunities to speak to interest anglers and ask for their involvement, it was a very successful trip in improving involvement of both shops and anglers (reported in the second progress report) C Neidig and T. King travelled to the Northeast Coast of Florida and visited 15 shops and three marinas from October We took advantage of placing TGRS brochures on vehicles with trailers at marina parking lots. Spoke to anglers and shop managers to get a better feel for where the tarpon were running to provide information to FWRI for C. Gardinal follow-up trip in October, was productive trip (reported in the second progress report) called all shops in October prior to the October 31, 2013 deadline to request if they had samples to submit for the end of TGRS year. At that time shop staff were thanked for participating, ask whether the shop had Tarpon DNA samples for pick-up or mailing, if anglers were catching tarpon, if they needed additional sampling kits, handouts, and/or posters, and if the shop staff knew of contacts, i.e. fishing clubs, guides, or recreational anglers that MML could contact as a resource for soliciting additional angler participation (Mote staff were available for shop staff to call the Lab or our mobile phones to ask questions or request materials, during regular and non-work hours). Some shops requested that they would rather contact us if they received samples or needed sampling kits 8

10 the following were the number of 221 participating shops located in Florida per region as of March 2014: Northwest (46), West Central (48), Southwest (31), Everglades (3), Florida Keys (38), Southeast (31), East Central (17), and Northeast (7). There were three out-of-state shops located in Fairhope, Alabama, Atlanta, Georgia, and Pawley Island, South Carolina. updated Shop List in Share Point with address changes designed and printed a personalized annual Appreciation certificate for each shop; certificates included the shop name and artwork by Alex Suescan which was also featured on the award t-shirt sent each shop a Certificate of Appreciation for 2013 participation sent each shop a 2012 (as needed) and a 2013 Annual TGRS Newsletter (printing and postage for the newsletters was provide by FWRI) Poster Display Locations It was important to identify locations such as public and private marinas, coastal boat ramps, and angler businesses around the state where the TGRS posters could be displayed and be viewed by potential tarpon anglers to help promote the study. These locations did not include the participating bait and tackle shops. The posters emphasized the TGRS slogan All Tarpon-Anywhere, Any Size. MML Proposed Actions laminate 8 x 11 and 11 x 17 posters (quarterly) conduct internet searches, peruse boating booklets and magazines, contact county visitor centers, park offices, guides, fishing club members, and recreational boating resources to identify possible poster display locations (monthly) confirm with existing locations (during the first quarter, repeat if necessary) if they still have their poster or do they need a replacement record poster locations in an Excel spreadsheet (quarterly, or more often if needed), including: location name, address, contact name and title, contact phone and address, web site address (if available), date contacted, materials provided, date provided materials, and comments. 9

11 Accomplishments February 22, 2014 March 15, 2014 maintained contact with 191 poster location display sites during the study printed and laminated 12 vertical 8 x11 posters and 12 horizontal 11 x17 posters (printed and laminated 326 posters during the study) mailed 216 laminated vertical TGRS posters as replacements to businesses that submitted requests during the study maintained poster location Excel spreadsheet and posted on Share Point for the TGRS team conducted internet searches for possible additional poster locations during the study Outreach Community outreach to the angler community was important to help educate the public on the importance of contributing valuable DNA samples and associated fish capture information for biologists to gain a better understanding of the Tarpon Fishery. Educated anglers are more likely to become stakeholders in the TGRS and help to promote and contribute to the Study. Several ways the TGRS is promoted includes: handouts - several handouts supplemental to the TGRS (see below) were available to anglers requesting tarpon DNA sampling kits at events and by mail from FWRI or MML staff. These handouts were also brought to events. TGRS Brochure, 2012 and previous TGRS Annual Newsletters, FWC Regulation publication, FWC Fishing Lines Magazine, estimate the weight of your tarpon cards (courtesy Bonefish and Tarpon Trust), Tarpon Quick Fact Sheet, and Participating Shop list (listing of shops in the anglers area). Anglers are also informed that several of these items can be accessed on the FWC website. events community events (MML and/or FWRI staff and /or volunteers and MML Mobile Exhibit), angler events club meetings, Captain s Meetings, tournaments (MML and/or FWRI staff and /or volunteers, or event representative), and media communications (FWRI or MML Communications Offices press releases to newspapers, magazine articles, radio, and television promotions). MML Proposed Actions keep available at least 50 of each handout for distribution provide two types of handouts each month to those that request them or at events 10

12 work with FWRI to update the Event List in Share Point quarterly, or as needed to keep the list current represent the TGRS, at least four angler related events per quarter during the primary tarpon season (April-September) represent the TGRS (MML TGRS staff and/or volunteers or the MML Mobile Exhibit), at least four community events per quarter during the primary tarpon season (April-September) promote the TGRS to at least two media sources quarterly, update the MML tri-fold display board and Power Point presentation annually or as needed with new data search for and organize media articles (monthly) and maintain a Media List of published articles, videos, and radio programs in an Excel spreadsheet. Update the list quarterly based on monthly searches on the internet, perusing angler magazines, and FWRI and MML staff and volunteers or anglers notifying FWRI or MML of coverage. Provide the media list quarterly or more if needed to the FWRI TGRS Team and the MML Communications Office. Accomplishments February 22, 2014 March 15, 2014 inventoried handouts and maintained more than 50 of each for distribution printed 100 Tarpon Quick Fact sheets for distribution (printed more than 1,600 during the study using colored paper provided by FWRI) kept TGRS brochures available for distribution (5,000 were printed for the study and donated through MML) S. Rodak (MML volunteer) continued to conduct Media searches for TGRS articles or mentions on the World Wide Web. No new citations were found to add to the current list of 396 articles or mentions of the TGRS in The articles listing was posted on Share Point including: 267 world wide web (www) 38 magazines 25 newspaper 9 newsletters 8 press releases 6 brochure inclusions 6 videos 5 web blog discussions 1 book 31 miscellaneous collaborated with FWRI staff to increase tarpon DNA sample acquisition from around the state with emphasis on Florida s northeast coast and northwest coasts provided the MML Mobile Exhibit Coordinator with 12 sampling kits in late February along with handouts (Study 2012 and 2013 Annual Newsletters, Study Brochures, and Tarpon Quick Fact Sheets) to 11

13 represent the TGRS at events; in March 2014 the leftover kits and handouts were retrieved to place back in the inventory continued to maintain a travel box of TGRS related handouts and display items for staff to take to events worked with FWRI staff to provide article contributions and edit the 2013 Annual Newsletter (reported in Third Progress report) met (MML staff and volunteers) with FWRI staff to prepare TGRS the 2013 Annual Newsletter for mailing to anglers (reported in Third Progress Report) Reward Program and Angler Challenge Promotions The Angler Reward Program and Angler Challenge Promotions were important incentives to encourage new anglers to participate and reward participating anglers for their valuable contributions. This was a popular part of the study for the anglers and was made possible by MML being a 501 3c non-profit organization that could solicit and receive in-kind donations. We found that businesses were excited to participate in the TGRS. B. Steskal and F. Bays (TGRS Donation Coordinator volunteers), and C. Neidig and T. King placed emphasis on acquiring donated items from local and national businesses for end of year angler rewards, bi-monthly angler awards, and for study promotions at angler events (e.g. gift baskets of angler items awarded at tournaments for the most samples submitted). MML Proposed Actions contact at least 10 businesses quarterly to request reward items or gift certificates or request if they would like to issue an Angler Challenge maintain (monthly) a donation spreadsheet provide a bi-monthly prize to an angler who provided samples during that time period (six items will be targeted annually, dependent on businesses who committed prizes) provide gift baskets for tournaments or special angler events (target 10 annual gift baskets, dependent on donations of items for baskets) to award to an angler providing tarpon DNA samples Accomplishments February 22, 2014 March 15, 2014 contacted two businesses by phone, for bimonthly awards and for a possible Annual Tarpon Shirt Donation (during the study more than 60 business were contacted at events, by , or by phone, of these 26 businesses were narrowed down and provided electronic copies of the TGRS newsletter and documentation of the study for their donation office) during the study MML obtained commitments from 18 businesses for inkind items to use as annual awards (not all items promised were received) there were also items received during the study for gift baskets and other promotions for the study. There were also cash donations made to help support the study from individuals and businesses. during the study MML acquired items ranging in value up to $ for 12

14 angler awards (e.g. St. Croix fishing rods, Penn tarpon fishing reel, artwork, boat wax, sun products, angler clothing, books, jewelry, and gift certificates) (a total of $4,674 worth of in-kind items were donated during the study by individuals and businesses) provided in-kind or cash donation documentation to the MML Donation Office and both C. Neidig and the Donation Office provided each sponsor with a letter to acknowledge and thank them for their donation called and congratulated one anglers who were chosen as TGRS January-February Bi-Monthly Angler Award winner (during the study five other Bi-Monthly Angler Awards were provided for a total value of $1,500 worth of gift certificates) provided a Sea Sucker $ gift certificates, TGRS t-shirt shirt, decal, brochure, Tarpon Quick Facts, and a sampling kit to each of the Bi- Monthly Angler Award winners maintain a detailed donation spreadsheet in Excel confirmed mailing addresses for annual and bi-monthly award prize winners packaged and addressed annual and bi-monthly award prizes for mailing by FWRI or MML Mote Marine Laboratory worked closely with FWRI in adaptive management to improve the study to the best of our ability to accomplish our goals of acquiring as many samples as possible to provide the valuable data that is needed to learn more about this valuable fishery. Together we have made great strides in involving anglers statewide in contributing more than 23,000 DNA samples. Of the that have been analyzed there have been 194 recaptures (Kathy Guindon, 2013 Annual Newsletter). In addition, the MML partnership with FWRI in the TGRS included identifying FWRI as our collaborating agency, and recognizing FWRI as the lead investigator. 13