Angler-Based Redfish Fin Clip Program
The Angler-Based Redfish Fin Clip Program based at Mote Marine Laboratory is a component of Project Tampa Bay (PTB), a FWC Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI), FWC Stock Enhancement Research Facility (SERF), and MML partnership. The goal of PTB is to demonstrate the effectiveness and benefits of responsible stock enhancement in a large estuarine system.
To evaluate survival, distribution, and contribution of the hatchery-reared red drum to the fishery, MML, in collaboration with FWC developed the Angler-Based Fin Clip Program as one of the project assessment components. The goal of the program is to involve anglers in providing tissue samples and corresponding fish capture information for the evaluation of hatchery-reared red drum contribution to the fishery and for determination of their optimal size at release, and optimal release habitat. Resulting data gathered from all PTB assessment components are used to develop a cost-effective and responsible approach to using hatchery-releases as a tool to enhance and restore fisheries state-wide.
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A fin clip can be used to identify hatchery-raised and wild redfish. Anglers Please Help! We need information from redfish 18 inches and larger from Levy County to Collier County. |
For a FREE Fin Clip Kit
call the Redfish Hotline 1-800-367-4461
or call the Redfish Lab 941-388-4441 EXT. 448,
or email us at redfishlab@mote.org.
HERE IS HOW TO TAKE A FIN CLIP
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| 1. Clip a nickel-sized piece of fin from the end of the second dorsal (back) fin. The fin will grow back. | 2. Place the fin clip in the plastic bag from your kit. | 3. On the bag label, record the Total and Standard Lengths (see fish measuring instructions below), Catch Date, Time & Location, and Tag Number (if Present). Include your name, address, and phone number. | 4. As quickly as possible, place on ice or freeze. Drop off your sample at one of our Participating Bait and Tackle Shops. |
How Do We Process Your Red Drum Fin Clips?
Every red drum fin clip that an angler provides as well as the associated fish capture information and contact information is recorded in a database at Mote Marine Laboratory (MML). At MML each sample is assigned a unique code so that we may track the samples from start to finish. Samples are then provided to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) in St. Petersburg where scientists in the BioGenetics laboratory analyze the samples using microsatellite DNA technology.
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| FWRI scientist analyzing red drum fin clips to identify microsatellite DNA sequencing at the FWRI BioGenetics Laboratory, St. Petersburg, FL. |
This technology allows FWRI scientists to identify if the sample is from a hatchery-released red drum or wild and if it is a hatchery fish the sample can be traced to the males and females that contributed to the spawn, the spawn date, size-at-release, and release location. This information is then provided to MML and a "Thank-you/Results" postcard is sent by MML to the angler. The card includes the date the fish was captured, total length, and whether the fish was determined to be hatchery reared or wild.
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Win Great Prizes! Throughout the year we send prize packages to anglers picked randomly from our database who have provided fin clip samples and complete fish capture information. Prizes are donated by local and national businesses. |
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New in 2008
♦ Junior Division (15 yrs. and younger) - Record “JUNIOR” next to your name on the angler contact information section of fin clip sample label. Special Year End Prizes! Contact information kept confidential.
♦ Available Now - Fin Clip Kits with Vials of Preservative, No Sample Refrigeration or Freezing Required – Great for Kayak and Wade Anglers. Request one today!
Participating Bait and Tackle Shops
Artwork courtesy of Wojick & Short Associates.
