Fort Pierce Anglers to help in Reef Snook Study

Written by Snook Foundation | 15 May 2008

Catching Snook Offshore Ft. Pierce?

"We don't currently understand what role snook on the reefs make to the spawning stock biomass," said Ron Taylor, head snook biologist with FWRI. "It's unknown if snook on the reefs spawn in these locations, whether they remain on or close to the reefs, or migrate."

To help answer these questions, an acoustic tracking study will be undertaken to track tagged reef snook. Biologists are seeking the help of experienced off shore anglers who frequently catch snook on the reefs.

Fort Pierce anglers who frequently catch offshore reef snook are asked to contact the Snook Foundation to make known their availability to assist biologists in tagging. All anglers can help by recording tag number and reporting tagged snook. Check any snook that is kept for consumption for implanted sonic tags.

Anglers will not see the implanted sonic tag but as the external dart tag has a fish number that should be recorded and reported. Sonic tags are implanted in the fish's abdomen so the angler may notice sutures.

Biologists will be monitoring the movements of these tagged fish to better understand spawning patterns of an individual fish. Submerged receivers will record the sonic tag number as well as the date and time when an implanted fish swims within range of the receiver.

Data are downloaded from the receivers and the spawning movement patterns can be compared to others. Fish movement patterns are also analyzed with data collected on tide, current, water temperature, and lunar phase to determine if these factors influence spawning periodicity. Valuable information will be collected from these fish as multiple years of data from individual fish give great insight on the behavior of these animals.

Public support is greatly appreciated as this research relies on the fish remaining in their environment.

Thank you to all anglers for your help and efforts. Your support is vital in advancing the science necessary for appropriate management!