- Program Timeline - 2018 and Beyond - Tagged Species and Recaptures - Captains and Crews - Ongoing Research Projects - Official Research Centers - Tag Recovery Highlights - Official Sponsors - The Benefits of the GFR program - The Impact of Social Media
GrayFishTag.org Tel: 844.824.8353 • [email protected] 803 S.W. 14th Court Pompano Beach, FL 33060, U.S.A.
2 2017 Gray FishTag Research Program Timeline 2017 has been another successful year for our program. With everyone working towards a common goal and with support from professional fishermen, GFR ambassadors, sponsors and donors, we have truly begun to make a positive difference. We are living our mission each day around the globe to bridge the gap between professional fishermen and science.
๏ ๏ ๏ 22,000+ Tags Distributed 73 Species Tagged 82 Tag Recoveries / 30 species JANUARY Atlantic Sailfish GFR8008 Recaptured after 276 days FEBRUARY Atlantic Sailfish GFR3303 Recaptured MARCH after 335 days Cobia GFR1219 Recaptured after 452 days APRIL Donation from Seaguar Fluorocarbon allows JUNE continuation of a four- We welcomed part Roosterfish PSAT The Guy Harvey Ocean satellite tag study Foundation to become collaborative Research partner on Roosterfish
JULY Welcomed JULY SQUIDNATION Phase 1 “John DeVries" As a new Sponsor Roosterfish Electronic Tagging Expedition
Day 1 - Los Sueños Day 2 - Marina Pez Vela AUGUST Phase 2 “John DeVries" OCTOBER Roosterfish Electronic Striped Marlin PSAT Tagging Expedition Satellite Tagging Expedition, Day 1 - Crocodile Bay Cabo San Lucas, MX Day 2 - Zancudo Lodge
2018
3 Tagged Species within the GFR program Did you know? 73 different fish species have been tagged and registered. More than 44 million Americans 30 various fish species have been RECAPTURED. six years of age and older enjoy fishing every year. Over one quarter of all anglers are female.
Billfish Species: Atlantic Sailfish (Istiophorus platypterus) Miscellaneous Fish: Pacific Sailfish (Istiophorus platypterus) Almaco Jack (Seriola rivoliana) Black Marlin (Istiompax indica) African Pompano (Alectis ciliaris) Black Grouper (Mycteroperca bonaci) Blue Marlin (Makaira nigricans) Blue Runner (Carnanx crysos) Roundscale Spearfish (Tetrapturus georgii) Black Margate (Anisotremus surinamensis) Shortbill Spearfish (Tetrapturus angustirostris) Broomtail Grouper (Mycteroperca xenarcha) Striped Marlin (Kajikia audax) Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) White Marlin (Kajikia albidus) Cobia (Rachycentron canadum) Swordfish (Xiphias gladius) Common Atlantic Snook (Centropomus undecimalis) Sharks: Cubera Snapper (Lutjanus cyanopterus ) Atlantic Sharpnose Shark (Rhizoprionodon terraenovae) Dolphinfish (Coryphaena hippurus) Blue Shark (Prionace glauca) Gag Grouper (Mycteroperca microlepis) Oceanic Whitetip Shark (Carcharhinus longimanus) Great Barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda) Bigeye Thresher Shark (Alopias superciliosus) Greater Amberjack (Seriola dumerili) * Blacknose Shark (Carcharhinus acronotus) Lingcod (Ophiodon elongatus) Blacktip Shark (Carcharhinus limbatus) Mutton Snapper (Lutjanus analis) Bonnethead Shark (Sphyrna tiburo) Pacific Black Snook (Centropomus nigrescens) Bull Shark (Carcharhinus leucas) Pacific Crevalle Jack (Caranx caninus) Caribbean Reef Shark (Carcharhinus perezii) Pacific Cubera Snapper (Lutjanus novemfasciatus) Cuban Night Shark (Carcharhinus signatus) Pacific Halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis) Dusky Shark (Carcharhinus obscurus) Red Drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) Great Hammerhead Shark (Sphyrna mokarran) Red Grouper (Epinephelus morio) Lemon Shark ( Negaprion Brevirostris) Red Snapper (Lutjanus campechanus) Nurse Shark (Ginglymostoma cirratum) Remora (Remora remora) Shortfin Mako (Isurus oxyrinchus) Rock Hind (Epinephelus adscensionis) Sandbar Shark (Carcharhinus plumbeus) Roosterfish (Nematistius pectoralis) * * Scalloped Hammerhead (Sphyrna Lewini) Rough Escolar (Ruvettus Pretiosus) Silky Shark (Carcharhinus falciformis) Scamp Grouper (Mycteroperca phenax) Smooth Hammerhead (Sphyrna zygaena) Spanish Mackerel (Scomberomorus maculatus) Spinner Shark (Carcharhinus brevipinna) Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis) Tiger Shark (Galeocerdo cuvier) Tarpon (Megalops atlanticus) Whale Shark (Rhincodon typus) Wahoo (Acanthocybium solandri) Tunas: Yellow Jack (Carangoides bartholomaei) Atlantic Bluefin Tuna (Thunnus thynnus) Yellowtail Snapper (Ocyurus chrysurus) King Mackerel (Scomberomorus cavalla) Blackfin Tuna (Thunnus atlanticus) Oilfish (Ruvettus pretiosus) Little Tunny (Euthynnus alletteratus) Permit (Trachinotus falcatus) Yellowfin Tuna (Thunnus albacares) Atlantic Tripletail (Lobotes surinamensis) * The most recaptured species ** 2nd most recaptured species (As of October, 2017) 4 Ongoing and Groundbreaking Research Roosterfish and Striped Marlin Tagging Events
The Gray FishTag Research mission has always been to connect the science community with the professional fisherman. Therefore, the following tagging events have truly been groundbreaking for many reasons. To be collaborating and connecting so many members from so many sectors of the fishing community, and to reach a common goal is very promising for what lies ahead.
Event Sponsors Satellite Tags deployed on Striped Marlin in Cabo San Lucas, MX.
Phase 1 - An ongoing research study, utilizing satellite based technology was started in late 2016. Two PSAT Satellite tags were deployed on Striped Marlin in the waters off of Cabo, San Lucas, MX. Initial data has been gathered and primary research is included in this booklet and also shared online at GrayFishTagResearch.org.
Phase 2 - In October 2017 an additional PSAT was deployed on a Striped Marlin. This event also took place in Cabo, San Lucas, MX. The tag is programmed to record data for a duration of 12 months. As always, once data is received and studies have been generated, all information will be openly shared and made public.
5 Striped Marlin “Tracy” PSAT Satellite Tag Study Species: Kajikia audax • Catch Date: Nov. 1st, 2016 • Location: Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Track of Striped Marlin Named “Bill Gray” and “Tracy”
Track of Striped Marlin Named “Tracy”
Striped Marlin "Tracy" Depth Profile: Nov. 30 - Dec. 2, 2016 Time (12hr) 12 MIDNIGHT 06:00:00 AM 12 NOON 06:00:00 PM 12 MIDNIGHT 06:00:00 AM 12 NOON 06:00:00 PM 12 MIDNIGHT 06:00:00 AM 12 NOON 06:00:00 PM 12 MIDNIGHT 0 10 • The Striped Marlin “Tracy” was caught by angler Dave Bulthuis of Costa Sunglasses, 20
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50 and tagged with a satellite tag (PSAT) on Nov. 1st, 2016. The PSAT stayed on the
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110 Daytime Daytime Daytime 120 Bottom Depth = 3275 m (10745 ft) 3275 112 M. • Fish length at capture: 79” Lower Jaw Fork Length (LJFL) Max Depth of 347 Ft. Fish During • At its closest point, the fsh was 9.05 km (5.6 mi) from the beaches of Los Cabo. Recorded The Striped Marlin in total traveled an approximate distance of 1488 km (924 mi) Study 112 M. in a southeast direction. During that time period, the fsh traveled over the Mazatlán Basin and went on to spend 10 days around the Rivera Fracture Zone.
• The Striped Marlin exhibited a large vertical movement pattern which varied depending on daylight or darkness.
• At nighttime, the average depth was surface to 3 m with occasional dives to 50 m. During the daytime, the fsh had extensive vertical movements with an average depth of 55 m, and rapid dives to 70 m followed by rapid ascents to 30 m.
• Both Striped Marlin “Bill Gray” and “Tracy” were tagged on the same day; however; Bottom Depth one fsh went north to the Sea of Cortez and the other fsh went south. They both 3,275 M. demonstrated a vertical movement pattern where data shows that nighttime hours are spent at the surface and daytime hours spent at depths 40-80 m. (10,745 Ft.)
To Learn more visit GrayFishTag.org • or call: 844.824.8353 803 S.W. 14th Court, Pompano Beach, FL 33060.U.S.A. 6 Striped Marlin "Tracy" Depth Profile: Nov. 30 - Dec. 2, 2016 Time (12hr) 12 MIDNIGHT 06:00:00 AM 12 NOON 06:00:00 PM 12 MIDNIGHT 06:00:00 AM 12 NOON 06:00:00 PM 12 MIDNIGHT 06:00:00 AM 12 NOON 06:00:00 PM 12 MIDNIGHT 0
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110 Daytime Daytime Daytime 120 Bottom Depth = 3275 m (10745 ft) 3275
Striped Marlin "Bill Gray" Depth Profile, Dec. 14-16, 2016 Time (12hr) 12 MIDNIGHT 06:00:00 AM 12 NOON 06:00:00 PM 12 MIDNIGHT 06:00:00 AM 12 NOON 06:00:00 PM 12 MIDNIGHT 06:00:00 AM 12 NOON 06:00:00 PM 12 MIDNIGHT 0
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1675 Bottom Depth = 1675 m (5495 ft)
7 Striped Marlin “Bill Gray” PSAT Satellite Tag Study Species: Kajikia audax • Catch Date: Nov. 1st, 2016 • Location: Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Track of Striped Marlin Named “Bill Gray” and “Tracy”
Track of Striped Marlin Named “Bill Gray”
Striped Marlin "Bill Gray" Depth Profile, Dec. 14-16, 2016 Time (12hr)
12 MIDNIGHT 06:00:00 AM 12 NOON 06:00:00 PM 12 MIDNIGHT 06:00:00 AM 12 NOON 06:00:00 PM 12 MIDNIGHT 06:00:00 AM 12 NOON 06:00:00 PM 12 MIDNIGHT • The Striped Marlin “Bill Gray” was caught by angler Dave Bulthuis of Costa Sun 0
10
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40 Glasses on Nov. 1st, 2016, and tagged with a satellite tag (PSAT). The PSAT stayed
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70 80 on the fsh and collected data for 68 days. Depth (m) 90
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150 Daytime Daytime Daytime 160 Bottom Depth = 1675 m (5495 ft) • Fish length at capture: 81” Lower Jaw Fork Length (LJFL) 1675 Max Depth of 160 M. Fish During 525 Ft. • At its closest point, the fsh was 2.66 km (1.65 mi) from the beaches of Los Cabo. Recorded The Striped Marlin traveled a total of approximately 2,485 km (1,544 mi) in a Study 160 M. track around the tip of Baja and North into the Sea of Cortez. While in the Sea of Cortez, it made large circle patterns exhibiting a feeding behavior until it was fnally caught and harvested near Isla Carmen.
• The Striped Marlin exhibited a very large vertical movement pattern which varied depending on daylight or darkness.
• It had an average nighttime depth of surface to 10 m with an occasional dive to deeper depths. The fsh illustrated extensive vertical movements during the daytime, with rapid dives to 125 m followed by ascents to 15 m. Overall the Striped Marlin had a daytime average depth of 50 m. Bottom Depth • Both Striped Marlin “Bill Gray” and “Tracy” were tagged on the same day; however, 1,675 M. one fsh went north to the Sea of Cortez and the other fsh went south. They both (5495 Ft.) demonstrated a vertical movement pattern where data shows that nighttime hours are spent at the surface and daytime hours spent at depths 40-80 m.
To Learn more visit GrayFishTag.org • or call: 844.824.8353 803 S.W. 14th Court, Pompano Beach, FL 33060.U.S.A.
8 Electronic tags deployed on Roosterfish in Costa Rica Research expedition in the name of “John DeVries”
The GFR team is in the midst of a collaborative research project with The Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation. Research conducted along the Pacific coast of Costa Rica as part of a study on the highly sought-after Roosterfish (Nematistius pectoralis). The first part of these research expeditions were divided into two phases and based out of four premier fishing destinations in Costa Rica and Official GFR Research Centers. Los Sueños Resort and Marina, Marina Pez Vela, Crocodile Bay Lodge and The Zancudo Lodge. The GFR team, advisors and boat crews successfully deployed 4 electronic archival tags in Roosterfish. This was the first time TDR archival tags have been implanted and deployed on this unique species. Over the next months to years, valuable information on migration, habitat, feeding behavior, and growth rates can be gathered from those Roosterfish.
Phase 1- Roosterfish tagging expedition Gray FishTag Research recently completed Phase 1 of the Roosterfish tagging study in the name of John DeVries. Thanks to a generous donation from Seaguar Fluorocarbon, the GFR team traveled to the central Pacific coast of Costa Rica to deploy 2 electronic implantable tags in Roosterfish. This event took place in mid-July from the central Pacific coastline of Costa Rica. On this first part of the expedition, angler Dave Bulthuis (VP, Costa Sunglasses and GFR Spokesman) joined the team to take part in the exciting work.
9 Day One, first tag deployment The first day of fishing was hosted out of Los Sueños Resort & Marina, Costa Rica, and the GFR team accompanied by Ashley Bretecher (Exec. Dir. Marketing & Communications, Los Sueños) set out on two charter boats, the Sea Fly and the Sunny One. After running for about 15 miles, both boats put lines in the water around 7:30 a.m. Just after 11:30 a.m., the bite turned on and both vessels hooked up. The teams were first catching and releasing a mixture of large Crevalle Jacks and Cubera Snapper. Shortly after the back rod on the Sunny One was tight, the crew knew it was a Roosterfish. After a short fight by angler Jessica Harvey (GHOF, Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation) the Roosterfish was in the boat and ready for the tag deployments. Once in the boat, GFR scientist, Travis Moore, went to work and implanted the electronic tag in the body cavity of the fish along with a conventional tag on the outer upper dorsal side. Within two and a half minutes, the Roosterfish was placed back in the water where it was revived and swam away healthy.
Day Two, second tag deployment The second day of fishing the GFR team had relocated to Marina Pez Vela in Quepos, Costa Rica. Carter Takacs (GFR Advisory Board member and Harbor Master, Marina Pez Vela) joined the GFR team as they fished aboard the Good Day Sportfishing boat and the Hooker with legendary captain Skip Smith (GFR Advisory Board member). Just like the previous day on the water, the bite turned on around 11:30 a.m. The Good Day boat was the first to hook up and the fight was on. Jessica Harvey quickly reeled in a good sized Roosterfish at 46 inches. Again, like a well-oiled machine, the GFR team quickly measured the fish and implanted the electronic tag in the fish and tagged it with a conventional tag. This time less than two minutes had passed and the fish was back in the water where it was revived and it swam away healthy and full of energy.
A special thank you to the charter boats and crews: Sea Fly Sport-fishing, Sunny One, the Hooker, and Good Day / Jackpot Sport-fishing. All the boats and crews donated their time, energy, and expertise to this research expedition.
10 Phase 2 Roosterfish tagging expedition This part of the expedition took place in early August from the southern part of Costa Rica and was also hosted by two official Gray FishTag Research Centers, Crocodile Bay Resort and The Zancudo Lodge.
Day One, first tag deployment The first day of fishing was based out of Crocodile Bay Resort located in Puerto Jimenez. Todd Staley (FECOP Executive Director and GFR Advisory Board member) also joined the GFR team. After quick introductions with the captain and crew, we loaded up the boat and left the docks for some bait. Luckily the waters around the Gulfo Dulce are loaded with bait fish so it took no time to fill the live well before heading out. The captain decided to explore an area known as “Matapolo Rock,” which has historically been a hot spot for big Roosterfish. After only 30 minutes of fishing, the bite was on and we had multiple hook-ups. The first Roosterfish was a 41 inches. GFR scientist, Travis Moore, worked the rod quickly and had the fish on deck ready to be implanted with the electronic and conventional tag.
Day Two, second tag deployment The second day of fishing was based out of The Zancudo Lodge located near the southern tip of Costa Rica. On this day, the GFR team was fishing with one of Zancudo’s top crews and joined by the owner of the lodge, Gregg Mufson. The Gulfo Dulce is home to many rock formations and on the southern side there is an area known by locals as “Nicaragua Rock.” After about an hour of fishing, the bite turned on. Multiple lines were hooked up with Roosterfish. Within an hour, several mid-sized Roosterfish were caught, tagged and released with GFR conventional tags. It did not take long before a large Roosterfish was on the line. Gregg Mufson was on the reel and did an excellent job of bringing the fish to the boat. Once on deck, Travis and the team went to work on the fish, it was measured, the electronic tag was implanted, and the conventional tag was attached. The Roosterfish was quickly returned to the water responsive and healthy.
The first two phases of this tagging project were truly an incredible accomplishment and success. This research would not have been possible without the generous sponsors, research centers and the charter boats and crews who diligently offered their facilities, equipment, time, hard work and energy. A special thank you to Seaguar Fluorocarbon for their continued support and involvement.
The GFR team would also like to thank the following groups for their sponsorship and support in making this project possible. Costa Sunglasses, Scales, AFTCO, Wildlife Computers, Southernmost Apparel, CR Primo Tackle, Shadow Graphics, FECOP, Stay in Costa Rica, and iFish Quepos. The GFR Research Centers: Marina Pez Vela, Los Sueños Resort and Marina, Crocodile Bay Eco Lodge and The Zancudo Lodge. 2017 Tag Recovery Highlights ADDITIONAL RECAPTURED SPECIES Of the total of 100+ Tag Recoveries on 30 different Shortbill Spearfish - (Tetrapturus angustirostris) species we would like to highlight a few. Greater Amberjack - (Seriola dumerili) Pacific Halibut - (Hippoglossus stenolepis) Complete information is available on our website Red Drum - (Sciaenops ocellatus) GrayFishTag.org. Common Atlantic Snook - (Centropomus undecimalis) Scalloped Hammerhead - (Sphyrna Lewini)canadum) Atlantic Sailfish (Istiophorus platypterus)
GFR12825 – COBIA Tagged in waters off of Key West and recaptured 239 days later 415 miles north in the northern part of Gulf of Mexico. Originally tagged and released by angler Eric Gineman while fishing with Captain Dan Zier and mate Garrett of the Second Nature charter boat. Nearly 8 months later, that same Cobia was recaptured by James White while fishing with Captain Ray and the crew of the Miss K-C Fishing Charter, Panama City, Fl.
GFR9202 – ROOSTERFISH Recaptured Incredibly one year later, 368 days to be exact, on February 27th, 2017, that same Roosterfish “Cassidy” was recaptured by the same boat crew that tagged it in the first place, Captain Mike Alligood and mate Mariano on the Epic out of the Los Sueños Resort & Marina, Costa Rica. The Roosterfish was measured to be 60 inches (124.46 cm) total length and had an approximate weight of 50 lbs.
GFR1219 – COBIA Recaptured Healthy after 452 Days Originally tagged off of Miami. Incredibly on March 13, 2017, one year and three months later or 452 days to be exact, that same Cobia “Cathy” was recaptured by Captain Jimmy Jones of the boat “Little Gigger” out of Shalimar, Florida. The fish was once again caught in excellent condition and it had grown from about 28 in. to about 37 inches (93.98 cm) in length.
GFR16340 – SHORT BILL SPEARFISH Recaptured Healthy after 77 Days On October 21st, 2017, by the tuna pelagic longline vessel Lady Anna, and reported to Gray FishTag research by pelagic observer John McDermond. The recapture was approximately 501 miles (806 km) away from the original tag location. During that 77-day time period, the Spearfish most likely stayed in the pelagic waters offshore of Hawaii. At the time of recapture, the Spearfish had a fork length of 54 inches (138 cm).
12 The benefits of the Gray FishTag Research program?
Every day decisions regarding the world’s many fisheries are made that can impact the sustainability of the fishing industry along with millions of lives who depend Did you know? and benefit from the health of the fisheries. Relevant, accurate, and non-stagnant Anglers spent a total of $16 billon data on global fish populations is essential for making prudent, informed fishery on fishing gear in 2016, and an decisions. Scientists, researchers and government organizations are desperate additional $22 billion on trip related for this data. items such as food and lodging. Current ongoing data collection efforts that depend on volunteer recreational Sources: US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) anglers, who are paying for fish tagging equipment and membership fees, for access to information has not been able to fill the need for quality-multi-fish species data.
As opposed to the recreational weekend angler, professional charter fishing boat operators make a living on the ocean and have the numbers, access and the potential to responsibly tag more fish and supply more quality data than any other group or organization. Gray has a rich history of being dedicated to advancing and sustaining the professional fishing industry. Utilizing the Gray network of Captains and mates around the world and getting them involved in tagging and research is vastly increasing the number of tag recoveries. This approach is providing more quality data to help gain beneficial studies that positively impact our fisheries.
After hearing from thousands of boat captains and mates and listening to top scientists and researchers from around the world, Gray recognized and implemented the following;
1. Everyone is interested in the proper management of our fisheries and the monitoring of our many fish species.
2. Professional fishermen are concerned about the sustainability of their industry and interested in finding new ways to attract and engage customers through sport fishing.
3. Scientists and researchers are desperate for quality and relevant data from responsible fish tagging programs in order to make informed decisions regarding fisheries.
4. Policy-making government agencies can access information from us to make prudent and informed fisheries decisions which are vital for the sustainability of the fishing industry.
5. Everyone would like to have access to data, research, and scientific information for no cost through an easy to use online platform.
6. GFR engages, educates and supply the professional fishing charter boat industry with the tools necessary to contribute towards responsible multi-species fish data collection. The industry is benefiting from the shared data on fish statistics and movements while having an organized voice to share actual fishery information to regulating industries.
13 7. GFR employs a full-time scientist to train captains and mates on how to engage their charter customers in responsibly tagging, naming and reporting fish catches.
8. We also connect the charter angler to their fish by sending an official tagging certificate and by providing access to a scientific report should the fish be re-caught.
9. In addition, the participating charter customers are becoming more actively involved in science, ocean awareness and research giving the “citizen scientists” another reason to stay connected and increase fishing trip frequency.
10. Students and future industry leaders: Students get training and support from our scientists, access to the professional fishing charter boats to do research, interaction and access to the top anglers in the world.
11. The general public will have the ability to have a direct impact through a non-fee based organized tagging program that supports conservation and the sustainability of our fisheries.
12. Charter vessel owners will also benefit from free online exposure. Social media mentions and branding on unique pages will allow increased customer engagement and retention.
Advancing the GFR Mission for 2018 and beyond
A lot has been accomplished thus far but we have just begun to scratch the surface and now we need your help to fund the expansion of our successful tagging and research efforts all over the world. We have proven that the model works and with your help, we are looking to further grow the program by adding new regions and territories.
We will continue to work diligently and by increased support and generous donations from the fishing industry and the private sector, we are confident to continue our objective to produce and share relevant data.
• Organize and execute a Swordfish Habitat Utilization Study in the Western North Atlantic or US South Atlantic waters. Satellite tags will be deployed on Swordfish.
• Organize and execute a Striped Bass study in the North Eastern collaboration with The Fisherman Magazine.
• To sustain, support and grow our network of active participating charter boats.
• Advance our efforts to participate in the education of marine biologists, scientists and researchers.
• Advance our data platform to optimize data transmission to government agencies or other interested parties.
14 Swordfish Behavior and Habitat Utilization Study
Gray FishTag Research (GFR) is the premier non-profit research organization that offers tagging options to fishing fleets around the world. A key attribute to GFR’s program is the ability to provide a crew, a boat, and a scientist to deploy satellite tags on a variety of fish species in a vast number of locations at various times of year. The satellite tags can provide very detailed high resolution data on a fish’s movement as well as behavior patterns and environmental characteristics.
Project Summary
The Swordfish (Xiphias gladius) is one of the most sought-after game fish in the world. Swordfish are highly regarded for both its commercial and recreational value. A hotspot for Swordfish interactions in U.S. waters is the Straits of Florida. These waters are highly productive with swordfish and anglers come from all over the globe for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to catch them. In the past 15 years, the Swordfish population has rebounded to healthy levels and it is a prime time to learn more about its movement, etc. For this reason we are proposing an exciting and in-depth research study to satellite tag this amazing species.
We propose satellite tagging Swordfish in the Straits of Florida off the Southeast Florida coast. The goal is to answer several questions about the species. By deploying latest technology pop-off archival satellite tags (PSAT), this project will investigate the behavior and habitat utilization of the Swordfish. Primarily, what is the optimal time at depth? What are the favorable water conditions (i.e. Temperature, Depth, etc.) to find Swordfish? What is the residency time-period for the species in certain areas known as “hotspots?”
Project Goals • Deploy 10 PSAT’s on Swordfish in the Straits of Florida. • Determine the “optimal and maximum time at depth” for the Swordfish. • Develop and illustrate the vertical and horizontal migration patterns of Swordfish using advance computer modeling. • Examine the short-term vertical distribution in the water column. • Overlay the Moon-phase to examine its affects.
15 Timeline/Location: The projected PSAT deployment would take place during the 2018 season which runs year-round with seasonal peaks. The deployment locations will be within the Straits of Florida.
Budget • A $96,567.00 budget is required to facilitate the Swordfish satellite tag based research.
Captains & Crews - The core of the program
In the center of it all, we continue to have the hard working captain and mates. Their loyal support and work ethic is paramount to the success of our efforts. The bond and trust Gray Taxidermy has made with these professionals over the last 50+ years is the backbone of the tagging program. There are currently over 10,000 Charter Captains and Mates Gray Taxidermy reaches on a regular basis and the list continues to grow. A successful Charter business run an estimated 250 – 300 days per year. By supplying the professional Captains and crews with the right equipment and support, they have the ability to produce more relevant data than any other existing group.
16 Official Research Centers
The success of our program is a tribute to the Official Research Centers that continue their efforts and support of our program. Without continuous commitment from Aquaworld, The Zancudo Lodge, Marina Pez Vela, Crocodile Bay Resort, Los Sueños Resort and Marina, Grande Alaska Lodge, Pisces Sportfishing and our newest research partner Sunset Marina out of Ocean City Maryland and their willingness to offer the tagging experience to their customers; we wouldn’t be able to sustain our growth and commitment to connect the two worlds of professional fishing and science. We have also proven that by including our tagging program in to their sport-fishing experience, it has created a valued element to their business model. We strongly believe that by tagging, naming and “owning” their own fish, will increase customer retention.
Sponsors/Contributing Partners
This program would not be possible without the continued support and contribution from our partners and sponsors. We like to extend a special thank you to SQUIDNATION, our most recent sponsor and contributor. SEAGUAR for the generous contributions that helped us continue the Roosterfish Satellite tagging expeditions. AFTCO for once again providing us with the tag-applicators, and COSTA Sunglasses for their support and providing every angler of a tag recapture with a pair of Costas. We would also like to thank American Fishing Wire, Stay in Costa Rica, FECOP, CR-Primo, and Shadow Graphics for providing support in the form of marketing materials and printing services. AA Video for continuing to provide video documentation and Navionics who is providing the integrated map found on the “Live Tag Map” on the website (grayfishtagresearch.org/tag-map/) as well as on each individual tagging post.
17 18 19 The Continued Benefit of Social Media By Hash-tagging “#" and sharing the tagging events we all benefit!
One of our main strategies is utilizing Social Media and Search Engine Optimization [SEO]. We create a new page for EVERY fish-tag registration we receive. These unique keyword rich web pages include hyper links and branding of our sponsors and other partners. As these pages are being indexed by Google and other search engines it will result in a permanent search engine listing that highlight the branded sponsor or partner.
Unique Pages Indexed (cataloged) by Google
2017 2016
The participation of sharing and reposting GFR content is an effective way to gain exposure and we encourage everyone to take advantage of this free opportunity. Numerous leading industry magazines are involved by actively publishing our content both online and offline.
Industry giants such as Navionics, Costa Sunglasses, Wildlife Computers and others are actively engaging and redistributing our posts and mentions to a combined audience in the hundreds of thousands.
Many of our Captains are continuing to capitalize on the opportunity that is available through the Gray FishTag “Live TagFeed” and other online media outlets.
A driving strategy is utilizing Social Media Marketing and Search Engine Optimization [SEO] to facilitate our information. For each registered tag that is entered into our system, we generate a new webpage. We include numerous relevant #Tags of the tagging event as well as hyperlinks to the official page or social media page of the corresponding charter boat.
Research Centers and marinas are benefiting the same as they have their official logo published. As these keyword rich webpages are being indexed by Google and other search engines, they will result in a permanent search engine listing highlighting the branded entity.
20 Social Media Statistics
We will remain active on social media using state-of-the-art technology to market our program, and by establishing new strategic partnerships and implementing creative marketing campaigns we see no slowing down on the exposure we are currently receiving.
We currently have 22,000 + Active Facebook followers. We regularly promote our activities to the 171,000+ Gray Taxidermy audience.
We continue to have a world-wide audience of followers. They are continuously engaged in our daily activities on both our social media platforms and the Live Tag Feed.
The most prominent following is coming from United States, Costa Rica, Mexico and Russia.
Visitor Demographics grayfishtag.org 64.8% Male 35.2% Female
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