Sharks and tuna will be the focus of UMaine research grant

Courtesy / University of Maine Tuna will be studied as part of a focus on highly migratory fish, through a research consortium that includes the University of Maine.

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By Staff

Commercially valuable tuna, swordfish, sharks and other “highly migratory species” will be the focus of research to be conducted by a consortium that includes the University of Maine.

The consortium was awarded $1.6 million by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, according to a news release.

The funds came through NOAA’s 2019 Sea Grant Highly Migratory Species Research Initiative.

The study will focus on the life histories of highly migratory species in the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. It's expected the research will help contribute to better management of the species.

The new research consortium, called the Pelagic Ecosystem Research Consortium or PERC, is led by Walt Golet at the University of Maine.

Prized fish

Highly migratory species travel long distances and often cross domestic and international boundaries.

“Highly migratory species are some of the most sought-after fish in the world, both commercially and recreationally, and yet there is so much to learn about their life history in order to improve the stock assessments that determine their population status, the allocation of fishing quotas and, ultimately, their sustainability,” Golet said.

Golet is a UMaine assistant professor in the School of Marine Sciences. He is a co-principal investigator on the project with David Kerstetter of Nova Southeastern University, Robert Hueter of Mote Marine Laboratory and Stephen Bullard of Auburn University.

Data lacking

Comprehensive information about the life histories of highly migratory species is lacking. The gaps include data on age, growth, abundance, reproduction, deaths, disease and how the fish utilize habitat and migrate.

The consortium will gather data on five tuna species (albacore, bigeye, bluefin, skipjack, yellowfin), swordfish, and at least 12 shark species (Atlantic sharpnose, blacknose, blacktip, bull, great and scalloped hammerheads, lemon, nurse, sandbar, spinner, tiger, and white sharks).

The group will also look at the impacts of offshore oil platforms on the health and movements of yellowfin tuna.

Coastal communities

Maine’s Congressional delegation lauded the award.

“Maine’s coastal communities depend on highly migratory species fisheries as an economic engine, sustaining and creating jobs as well as driving coastal tourism and recreation year after year,” U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, said in a news release.

“The Gulf of Maine is an integral part of our state’s identity and economy, which is why it is vital that we deepen our understanding of the marine ecosystems it contains, particularly as it is warming faster than 99% of the world’s oceans,” U.S. Sen. Angus King, I-Maine, said in the release.

All four members of the Maine delegation advocated for Sea Grant’s funding throughout the appropriations process.