TAG Gets the Job Done in NC

TAG wrapped up its 14th year of electronic tagging in North Carolina on April 3rd. It was the best year we've had since 2005, with 52 Atlantic bluefin tuna tagged in 12 days of fishing. The fish were 29 to 78 inches long, but most of them were from the same age 7 class; half the fish tagged fell within a narrow 67 to 71-inch window. This relatively abundant age class has been in Hatteras the last several winters, which is why we chose to forgo our traditional tagging grounds off Morehead City and base operations in Hatteras this year. With 52 bluefin tagged-and-released, this turned out to be a wise decision!

Thanks to TAG scientists Dr. Andre Boustany and Robbie Schallert for their hard work on and off the water to make the 2010 NC campaign a success. Implanting 52 tags is a major feat so hats off to Andre and Robbie for having the skill and stamina to get the job done. Thanks also to Heather Kerkering and the countless Duke students who reeled in fish and assisted on deck. And an extra special thanks to Captain Dale Britt of the F/V Sensation and his mate Alan for yet another year on the tagging team in NC - your bluefin fishing expertise makes this all possible!