Atlantic tarpon
Atlantic tarpon (Megalops atlanticus) inhabit coastal waters of the Southeastern Atlantic waters of the United States, the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean, northern South America, and parts of the west coast of Africa. Recreational anglers refer to them as the Silver King because of their large size, bright silver scales, and tremendous fight, including aerobatics. The recreational fishery for Atlantic tarpon contributes greatly to coastal economies. However, uncontrolled development unsustainable fishing practices, and other human-based impacts are threatening the future of the Silver King. In partnership with Bonefish & Tarpon Trust, we have been conducting detailed studies on the movement ecology of Atlantic Tarpon to fill important knowledge gaps related to
habitat use
migration patterns, as well as
predator-prey interactions with sharks
Collaborators
People: Dr. Luke Griffin, Dr. Jake Brownscombe, Peter Holder, Grace Casselberry.
Partners: Bonefish & Tarpon Trust, Keep Fish Wet, and Fish Ecology & Conservation Physiology Lab
Related Publications:
99. Griffin, L.P., J.W. Brownscombe, A.J. Adams, R.E. Boucek, J.T. Finn, M.R. Heithaus, J.R. Rehage, S.J. Cooke, and A.J. Danylchuk. 2018. Keeping up with the Silver King: Using cooperative acoustic telemetry networks to quantify the movement patterns of Atlantic tarpon (Megalops atlanticus) in the coastal waters of the southeastern United States. Fisheries Research 205:65-76.