Red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) fin clip program and tarpon (Megalops atlanticus) genetic recapture program. Final report, October 1, 2007 - May 23, 2008.

Abstract

The Angler Red Drum Fin Clip Program based at Mote, is a component of Project Tampa Bay (PTB) and is a collaborative partnership. The goal of PTB is to demonstrate the effectiveness and benefits of responsible stock enhancement in a large estuarine system. Since 1999, 4.2 million red drum were reared and released into the Alafia and the Little Manatee River's located on the eastern shoreline of Tampa Bay, Florida. To evaluate survival, distribution, and contribution of the hatchery-reared red drum to the fishery, MML develop the Angler Fin Clip Program (AFCP) as an additional assessment component of PTB. The goal of the MML-AFCP is to engage anglers in providing red drum tissue samples and corresponding capture information for the evaluation of hatchery-reared red drum contribution to the fishery and for the determination of their optimal size at release and optimal release habitat. Resulting data from all PTB assessment components will be used to formulate management recommendations to develop an effective and responsible approach to use hatchery-releases as a tool to enhance and restore fisheries state-wide. Activities and results of this program are described.