Genetics for Giants & Juvies
A commercial and recreational led initiative for Atlantic bluefin tuna sustainability.
How do i get involved with finclip sampling?
Participating in this research effort is very simple!
At the end of the season, we will reach back out to all participants to collect the sampling kits.
Industry collaboration
We are extremely aware of the global demand for Atlantic bluefin tuna, their highly migratory nature, and remaining uncertainties surrounding stock of origin and absolute abundance. Over the past few years, we have garnered increasing interest and kit requests, which has very exciting implications for the Pelagic Fisheries Lab and the future of Atlantic bluefin tuna management. We would like to emphasize that none of this research would be possible without the willingness and participation of the commercial and recreational fishery.
Close-Kin Mark-Recapture
This project is an industry-led initiative where participants are asked to take an Atlantic bluefin tuna fin clip sample for genetic analysis using a new method for assessment called Close-Kin Mark-Recapture (CKMR). CKMR uses the DNA profiles of individual fish to identify other closely related family members within the population. Starting in 2020, NOAA Fisheries implemented the use of CKMR on Western Atlantic bluefin tuna based on the success of implementation by CSIRO on Southern bluefin tuna. Utilizing the Pelagic Fisheries Lab’s existing sampling network this methodology has been applied to bluefin in i the northwest Atlantic. The groundbreaking results from this research and other scientific advancements have led to an unexpected increase in Western quota.
Learn more about Close-Kin Mark-Recapture from the scientists conducting this research!
Do you have finclip samples that you need to send to the lab?
Please send us an email and we will provide you with a PREPAID shipping label to send your sampling kit to the Pelagic Fisheries Lab!