Tarpon (Megalops atlanticus) Genetic Recapture Study FWC CONTRACT NO. 10322 AMENDMENT #3 THIRD PROGRESS REPORT PROPOSED TASKS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS NOVEMBER 1, 2013 FEBRUARY 21, 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 33701-5095 PREPARED BY: CAROLE NEIDIG, M.S. AND THOMAS KING, PH.D. MOTE MARINE LABORATORY DIRECTORATE FOR FISHERIES & AQUACULTURE 1600 KEN THOMPSON PARKWAY SARASOTA, FL 34236-1004 FEBRUARY 21, 2014 MML Technical Report No. 1766
Mote Marine Laboratory Tarpon (Megalops atlanticus) Genetic Recapture Study THIRD PROGRESS REPORT PROPOSED TASKS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS NOVEMBER 1, 2013 FEBRUARY 21, 2014 During the report 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 is 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 continued to be an asset in strengthening and expanding the study around the entire coastal area of Florida. The TGRS Team has 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. Participants The MML portion of the TGRS was directed by Carole Neidig, M.S., Staff Scientist and Thomas King, Ph.D., Senior Biologist. 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 report period included: Laura Emmons, Receptionist, kept a minimum of 25 sampling kits and associated handouts to provide to interested anglers at the MML Reception desk, she also kept a plastic container at the desk for holding DNA samples dropped off by anglers and then provided them to T. King, 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, 1
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 two MML staff, nine MML volunteers provided valuable assistance during the report period. The volunteers included John Arbuckle, Fran Bays, Captain Bobby Hilbrunner, Marcia Kagan, Stanley Rodak, Joan Tozzo, Roger Mitchell, Bob Steskal, and Ray Walborn. 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 report period are included below and are further described in this report. DNA Sampling Kits maintained inventory of sampling kit supplies purchased by MML and supplied by FWRI prepared materials to assemble sampling kits printed kit 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 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 zip top organized sampling kits into boxes of 100 each and labeled box with year that is on vial labels (e.g. MAT13) maintained an inventory of sampling kits assembled provided to FWRI provided to shops 2
provided at MML attended events, and distributed during travel to promote the Study produce monthly summary status of sampling kit inventory Posters conducted phone calls to 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 (if needed) FWRI SharePoint site with new poster locations Media performed internet searches and media hard copy searches for articles or postings concerning the TGRS printed articles and postings and cataloged them into MML notebook and provide copies to FWRI maintained Excel list of media references and any links to those that were posted online Donations contacted and sent TGRS information (hard copies or electronic) to national and local businesses to obtain products for angler bi-monthly and year end awards 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 is from the current contract award through FWC FWRI and funds acquired by MML through donations. Donation funds supplemented study travel expenses, postage, printing, supply purchases, and were used to purchase annual reward t-shirt (dependent on specific business donation). Included herein are itemized accomplishments for the proposed tasks for the report period of November 1, 2013 through February 21, 2014. Tarpon DNA Sampling Kits - Assemble and Distribute Tarpon DNA Sampling Kits are necessary for anglers to collect DNA samples from tarpon. The kit provides TGRS educational material and the supplies needed to take noninvasive DNA samples from individual fish. Supplies for kits are purchased by FWRI and MML, the kits are assembled by MML, and are provided by both FWRI and MML at no cost to individual anglers, participating shops, and to angling events targeting tarpon. 3
There are 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 consists of the following: (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 is assembled in one gallon size plastic Ziploc bags and includes: (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 is not included in these kits since these kits are distributed to anglers who have already participated. 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) 4
deliver DNA samples to FWRI for processing (monthly, when samples are provided by shops or anglers) Accomplishments November 1, 2013 February 21, 2014 assembled sampling kits using MAT14 labels printed allotment of 2,000 additional MAT14 vial sequence labels 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 6 reams of 28 lb copier paper for instruction sheets obtained supplies purchased by FWRI - 2,000 sample vials and one drum of ethanol alcohol, 250 81/2 x 11 brown envelopes for mailing certificates and 2013 annual newsletters (at FWRI) to participating shops and to donating businesses and individuals photocopied 500 sheets of data form slips on Rite in the Rain waterproof paper, and cut, and folded 2,500 kit data form slips photocopied and folded 1,500 kit instruction sheets assembled 1,173 Angler Kits and 30 Captain Sampling Kits, with a stock of 1,200 Angler kits available for distribution received DNA samples by the October 31, 2013 deadline (prior to this quarter report) provided 400 sampling kits to FWRI for distribution mailed 49 Sampling Kits to fill requests from participating shops; kits sent to the east and west coast and south Florida were limited DNA Sampling Kit Distribution and Sample Collection Locations Involve and Maintain To promote the TGRS to anglers it is imperative to involve bait and tackle shops state-wide as participants, they are instrumental in promoting the TGRS to their local anglers. The shops help by providing sampling kits to anglers and are locations where anglers can drop off samples. The current list of 221 shops are 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 5
remind shop staff to contact MML staff or the FWC Toll Free Hotline 1-800-367-4461 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 221 participating shops as of February 2014 called all shops prior to October 31, 2013 to request if they had samples to submit for the end of TGRS year (October 31) deadline. 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 the following were the number of 221 participating shops located in Florida per region as of February 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 6
sent each shop a Certificate of Appreciation and an Annual TGRS Newsletter (printed and mailed by FWRI) Poster Display Locations It is important to identify locations (public and private marinas, coastal boat ramps, and businesses) around the state where the TGRS posters can be displayed and be viewed by potential tarpon anglers to help promote the study. These locations do not include the participating bait and tackle shops. 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 email address, web site address (if available), date contacted, materials provided, date provided materials, and comments. Accomplishments November 1 February 21, 2014 printed and laminated 32 vertical 8 x11 posters and 12 horizontal 11 x17 posters mailed nine laminated vertical TGRS posters as replacements to businesses that submitted requests. maintained poster location Excel spreadsheet and posted on Share Point for the TGRS team conducted internet searches for possible additional poster locations. Outreach Community outreach to the angler community is 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) are 7
available to anglers requesting tarpon DNA sampling kits at events and by mail from FWRI or MML staff. These handouts are 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 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. 8
Accomplishments November 1, 2013 February 21, 2014 inventoried handouts printed 300 Tarpon Quick Fact sheets for distribution kept TGRS brochures available for distribution 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 2013. 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 www.youtube.com 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 and handouts (Study 2012 and 2013 Annual Newsletters, Study Brochures, and Tarpon Quick Fact Sheets) to represent the TGRS at events maintained 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 met (MML staff and volunteers) with FWRI staff to prepare TGRS the 2013 Annual Newsletter for mailing to anglers Reward Program and Angler Challenge Promotions The Angler Reward Program and Angler Challenge Promotions are important incentives to encourage new anglers to participate and reward participating anglers for their valuable contributions. B. Steskal and F. Bays (TGRS Donation Coordinator volunteers), and C. Neidig place emphasis on acquiring donated items from local and national businesses for angler rewards, bi-monthly angler awards, and for study promotions (i.e. gift baskets 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 9
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 November 1, 2013 February 21, 2014 contacted 26 businesses by phone, most of who requested electronic copies of the TGRS newsletter and documentation of the study for their donation office obtained commitments from 18 businesses for in-kind items to use as annual awards (not all items promised were received) called and congratulated two anglers who were chosen as TGRS September October and November-December Bi-Monthly Angler Award winners provided a Sea Sucker $250.00 gift certificates, TGRS t-shirt shirt, decal, brochure, Tarpon Quick Facts, and a sampling kit to each of the Bi- Monthly Angler Award winners acquired items ranging in value up to $250.00 for angler awards (e.g. St. Croix fishing rods, Penn tarpon fishing reel, artwork, boat wax, sun products, fishing clothing, books, jewelry, and gift certificates) 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 maintain a detailed donation spreadsheet in Excel confirmed mailing addresses for annual award prize winners packaged and addressed annual award prizes for mailing by FWRI 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. In addition, the MML partnership with FWRI in the TGRS included identifying FWRI as our collaborating agency, and recognizing FWRI as the lead investigator. 10