Why is FWRI scraping the tarpons jaw for skin cells when they fin-clipped tarpon in 2006?
While fin-clipping is a common, relatively harmless method of obtaining DNA samples from fish, a series of trials during the 2006 tarpon season revealed a simpler but equally effective method. This new technique will be implemented in 2007. Because of the size, demeanor, and strength of some tarpon (both large and small), fin-clipping presented logistical challenges to anglers that are not encountered when handling smaller fish species. Our new technique requires less handling of the fish and in most cases can be performed by a single person while the tarpon is still in the water. While controlling the fish by holding the leader or lower jaw with one hand, the free hand can be used to scrape the outer jaw of the tarpon using an abrasive pad that the FWRI provides, thereby gathering a small sample of skin cells. This method is not a typical or common approach among other species, but is especially useful and preferable when dealing with such large, powerful fish. Mote Marine Laboratory,
