Document Type
Poster
Publication Title
Northrop Grumman Engineering & Science Student Design Showcase
Abstract
Florida’s sport fisheries are a vital economic resource for the state, providing $13.9 billion in revenue annually[1]. The Atlantic tarpon (Megalops atlanticus) is among the most popular target fish in the state due to its large size and fighting ability. Though fishermen use catch-and-release, there are many fishing tournaments that target tarpon and other large species[6]. Even when the fish is released, angling is known to cause increases in stress indicators such as lactate[2]. Additionally, tarpon use structurally complex habitats as nurseries[4], making it difficult for scientists to collect DNA samples for assessing population dynamics. They have declined from overfishing and habitat loss and are listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List[5]. We sought to create a tool for the remote genetic detection of tarpon using environmental DNA (eDNA), which is trace DNA shed by an organism into its environment. Instead of being taken from the animal, eDNA can be taken from filtered seawater, a noninvasive method that can be effective in areas where tarpon cannot be easily caught[3].
Advisor
Toby Daly-Engel, Jeff A. Eble
Publication Date
4-25-2025
Recommended Citation
Soto, Paolo A., "Species-specific eDNA detection of Atlantic Tarpon" (2025). Ocean Engineering and Marine Sciences Student Publications. 57.
https://repository.fit.edu/oems_student/57