330 likes | 409 Views
An update on Co-operative PSAT tagging results from SW Nova, PEI, N. Edge. Large Pelagics Research Center, UNH Department of Fisheries & Oceans Canada. The objective of our Co-operative Tagging Program is to obtain the best possible scientific information on movements and behavior of ABFT.
E N D
An update on Co-operative PSAT tagging results from SW Nova, PEI, N. Edge Large Pelagics Research Center, UNH Department of Fisheries & Oceans Canada
The objective of our Co-operative Tagging Program is to obtain the best possible scientific information on movements and behavior of ABFT. This information is needed by US and Canadian fisheries managers to promote and maintain healthy and sustainable fisheries.
Unanswered questions - Where, when, and how often do bluefin spawn? Where do they forage ? How do they get there and back? How many are there? Mixing rates of eastern and western fish?
1997 First generation Psat tags deployed 1998 We hosted PSAT tagging training for Canadian fishermen and DFO biologists In-water tagging techniques and tag set up developed by US fishermen partners
MWT, Inc Psats are extremely reliable: 95- 100% reporting rates In over 150 deployments in New England and Canada, No mortalities of any bluefin tagged and released from hand gear.
Photo by Francois Royer 2004 PSATtagging shifts SW Nova and PEI ‘05
Deployments so far: 2005: 13 tags (Riverport, NS) 2006: 25 tags (2 Hell Hole, 23 Riverport) 2007: 10 tags (2 Malpeque, PEI, 8, Northern Edge, Georges
ABFT movements from single locations: complex , highly variable
BFT paths diverged widely before return to release location (SW Nova) 11 months later.
PSAT tagging and juveniles: Tag a Tiny™ Tagging, biological sampling
IN addition to PSAT tagging Studies of body condition, forage base, age and growth
Decline in condition of Atlantic bluefin tuna in the Gulf of Maine (Golet et al, 2007) grade C+ C or worse grade B grade B-
IN addition to PSAT tagging Studies of body condition, forage base, age and growth Historical distributions and environmental conditions
1995 1994 1996
IN addition to PSAT tagging Studies of body condition, forage base, age and growth Historical distributions and environmental conditions Reproduction and maturity schedules Connectivity of bluefin on the NW Shelf with Atlantic-wide distributions?
Plans for the summer of 08 Deploy~ 35 Psats on giant bluefin in; N. Edge Hellhole Riverport PEI
Collaborators and Fishermen Partners John Nielson, DFO, SW Nova Assoc: Eric Jacquard,Chris Mallone,Tim Nickerson, and FVs Fin Seeker and High Rider crews and Sam Ellsworth, Robert Conrad, St Margrets Bay Assoc, PEI: Ewen Clark and FV Pura Vida crews, Cookie Murray Funding & resources: NMFS, NOAA, SW Nova Assoc., LPRC