For those participating or interested in the topic, the FWC FWRI is having a meeting to update the public on their Tarpon DNA study as well as solicit input.  The meeting is on Thursday, December 3rd in St. Pete @ the Steidinger Auditorium.  Hope to see you there....Mike

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Public Seminar: Tracking Tarpon with DNA – St. Petersburg
Event Date:  12/3/2009

Event Details
Public Seminar: Tracking Tarpon with DNA – FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, Steidinger Auditorium, St. Petersburg

Thursday, December 3, 2009
7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Since the summer of 2005, scientists from the FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute and Mote Marine Laboratory have been using DNA ‘fingerprints’ to track the movements and habits of tarpon in coastal waters of Southwest Florida. Come learn what the scientists have uncovered so far.

The success of the tarpon genetics research project depends on the voluntary participation of Florida anglers. Participating anglers are provided DNA sampling kits to help collect samples. The project’s database has tripled over the past two years due to increased angler participation and the great support from tournament representatives, bait and tackle shops, and many others.

We extend a special invitation to our participating anglers and welcome anyone interested in tarpon to join us for this seminar. The evening’s program will cover the following:

• Project overview – the current scope of the project, scientific goals and objectives, sampling locations, and number of participants
• Sampling tips – techniques for collecting and handling the genetic material
• Preliminary results – recapture rates, movements of individual fish, and other interesting findings
• Public feedback opportunity – we want to hear from you!

Location:
FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute
Steidinger Auditorium
100 8th Avenue SE
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
For more information, contact the FWRI Outreach Coordination Office at (727) 896-8626.

Parking information: Limited on-street metered parking is available in the vicinity of the FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute. In addition, parking is available free-of-charge after 6 p.m. that evening in the adjacent University of South Florida (USF) peninsula parking lot. The USF peninsula parking lot is designated by P7, P6 and V1 in the area of Peninsula Dr. on the map that can be found at http://www.stpete.usf.edu/aboutusf/map/CAMPUSMAP300.pdf . Parking in any other USF lot without a parking permit may result in a citation.

Source:  http://research.myfwc.com/news/view_events.asp?id=22