People come to Florida from all over the world to catch the silver king of gamefish. The state's tarpon fishery rivals that of Costa Rica and Belize, two other well-known fishing hotspots. But one thing that sets Florida apart from other fishing destinations is the way the state incorporates anglers into fisheries research.

Anglers from all over the state are now helping biologists with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's Fish and Wildlife Research Institute and the Mote Marine Laboratory gather valuable information about the migratory patterns of this world-class gamefish.

Results from the Tarpon Genetic Recapture Study will yield new insight into how tarpon can survive catch-and-release and how this species moves throughout Florida waters.

State biologists analyze DNA samples from tarpon, which are gathered by anglers who receive a free sampling kit. Each sample identifies a tarpon’s genetic “fingerprint,” which provides a one-of-a-kind tag for that particular fish.

Using DNA sampling is a cost-effective and less-invasive way to identify and track individual tarpon. Since each fish has a unique genetic code that never changes, the fish can continue to be identified by biologists for years to come.

To date, anglers have provided more than 3,000 DNA samples. Biologists have recorded 23 recaptured tarpon from locations across the state, including Miami, the Florida Keys, Fort Myers, Boca Grande, Sarasota, Tampa Bay and the Indian River Lagoon. Biologists will take samples from tarpon caught regardless of capture location or size of the fish.

Anglers who would like to participate in this study can obtain a free, easy-to-use tarpon DNA sampling kit by e-mailing TarponGenetics@MyFWC.com or by calling 800-367-4461.

For more information on the Tarpon Genetic Recapture Study, visit http://research.MyFWC.com.