What is Gray FishTag Research?
Gray FishTag Research is a non-profit organization that is an international and fully interactive fish tagging program powered by the world’s largest network of fishing professionals consisting of approximately 10,000 charter boat captains and mates. The program was initiated to collect information in real-time to produce valuable scientific data, directly from professional fishermen in every part of the world. Finally we are connecting professional fishermen with the scientific community who have a desperate need for relevant data. The results will provide biologists and scientists with valuable information on migration patterns, fish stocks, growth rates, habitat depths and much more. This information will allow for potential problems and marine fishery issues to be addressed in real time, instead of after the damage has been done.
The data collected will be analyzed and used for scientific purposes and most importantly shared with any interested parties at NO COST. For the first time ever, all fish species in every ocean will be monitored. Billfish, sharks, general offshore and inshore fish species will all be tracked and recorded. The success of the program is made possible by the participation of the hard working fishing professionals, fisheries scientist, and the generous contributions from our partners and donors.
We are proud to be working directly with NOAA Fisheries as well as contributing scientists, professor Arthur Mariano, Ph.D. (University of Miami), professor David Kerstetter, Ph.D. (Nova Southeastern University), Mitchell Roffer, Ph.D. (Roffer’s Ocean Fishing Forecasting Service, Inc.) and Travis Moore, M.S. (Gray Taxidermy). Our devoted partners will be responsible for the research and distribution of the data coming into the program. Our pledge is to also offer all tags, applicators, data cards, hands-on training and support to the professional fisherman for FREE; as this will be the key to obtaining accurate data and will contribute to the success of the program.
Gray FishTag Research will be an essential tool for promoting the conservation of marine game fish and increasing public resource awareness. This initiative will produce real-time data which will be available, and guarantee a hands-on effort approach to “Real Conservation” at the point of catch, not after the fact.
Since the program’s inception, in January 2015, over 3000 Gray FishTag Research tags have been deployed on 28 different species of fish and registered online. There’s also been two roosterfish that have been recaptured within 50 days of them being tagged. The launch and continued success of Gray FishTag Research is largely due to the support from Costa Rican anglers, FECOP, and our official Gray FishTag Research centers: Crocodile Bay Marina, Los Suenos Marina, Marina Pez Vela, and The Zancudo Lodge.
The Gray FishTag Research model is built on the simple premise of open communication and interaction among all interested parties. Through the network of professional fishermen and scientist, Gray FishTag Research can facilitate that communication and bridge the gap between all those interested in the shared resource. Gray FishTag Research has the unique opportunity to access and solve marine fisheries related issues in real time and provide a valuable conservation and educational resource to the recreational fishing and scientific community.
Websites & Social Media:
www.grayfishtagresearch.org www.facebook.com/grayfishtag
