Abstract

CFRAMP’s Large Pelagic Fish Tagging Program was established to examine the distribution and movement patterns of Thunnus atlanticus (blackfin tuna), Acanthocybium solandri (wahoo), Coryphaena hippurus (dolphinfish), and Scomberomorus cavalla (king mackerel), large pelagic fish species of commercial importance to several Caribbean countries. The Program explored several means to facilitate fish tag and release activities, involving collaborative partnerships with national fi sheries administrations, the recreational fishing sector, and individual commercial fishers. A total of 1,143 fi sh were tagged and released in the coastal waters of several islands within the Eastern Caribbean: 787 blackfin tuna, 250 wahoo, 89 dolphinfish, and 17 king mackerel. To date, only 13 recaptures have been reported. Eleven (11) blackfin tuna, released in the coastal waters of St. Vincent and the Grenadines were recaptured near to, or at original release sites after times at liberty ranging from 5 d to 1,230 d. Similarly, 2 king mackerel, released off the west coast of Trinidad, were recaptured very near original release sites after 74 and 129 d at liberty

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