CONSERVATION SCIENCE

When Media Specialist Frank McCloy picked up the phone, I heard noise in the background. That came as no surprise, considering that the institute’s headquarters was hosting its 21st annual MarineQuest—three days of free, educational exhibits that are held in conjunction with St. Petersburg Science Festival Week.

McCloy explained hurriedly: “For the last two days, we’ve been bringing in kids—4th through 8th graders—by the busloads. We call it ‘School Daze.’ The kids love the exhibits. Then, tomorrow MarineQuest opens its doors to the public.”

Outreach is a significant part of the FWRI’s work. Not only do they produce great science, but they help connect the public with their work and the subjects they study. Later, I caught up with Kelly Richmond, the institute’s unofficial traffic director. Kelly was bubbling—justifiably so—about the success of MarineQuest and the research her colleagues were doing: everything from saving marine mammals and turtles to angler-oriented projects that ranged from stock assessments and genetic research to habitat restoration. Kelly knows who does what, and where the research takes place—which, in an agency this size, is no small achievement. She connected me with four inspiring researchers.

BY STEVE KANTNER

FWRI rolls out the research that makes a difference.

Elizabeth Wallace, PhD, FWRI’s bonefish expert, divides her time between a lab in St. Petersburg and the Cape Eleuthera Institute in the Bahamas. The purpose of her work? To do genetic research that has yielded some interesting results. Or as Dr. Wallace puts it: “Scientists have identified 12 distinct species of bonefish; three of which inhabit Florida waters. Meanwhile, it’s Albula vulpes that sustains our flats fishery, so that’s where we’re directing most of our research.”

Dr. Wallace also posed some intriguing questions.

“We’ve determined that each species inhabits a particular niche—say, slightly deeper water or along mangrove shorelines. Adult bonefish don’t make long migrations, just brief runs to spawning grounds. So where do juvenile vulpes come from? Are they offspring of local fish, in the Florida Keys for example? Or are they offspring of Cuban or Central American bonefish, or are they from some other ‘upstream’ location? Only further research will answer these questions.”

She paused momentarily to venture a guess.

“We know that after hatching, bonefish larvae drift with the current for about two months. During that time they can be carried long distances, but some may stay local. We’re working to understand the relationship between regional abundance and locally declining numbers—conservation and management may

well need to focus on both the regional and local levels.”

When I quizzed Dr. Wallace about angler involvement, she was quick to add: “Anglers can help us by collecting fin clips! Our research partners at the Bonefish and Tarpon Trust (BTT) provide everything you need. Just request a kit before you hit the flats.” (bonefishtarpontrust.org).

Big Bugs

Next, I spoke with Tom Matthews, whose base is the Florida Keys. Matthews, a 26-year veteran of the FWRI, is the man with a plan for Florida’s spiny lobsters— the most valuable commercial species in the Sunshine State. I quizzed Tom about working with lobsters. “For one thing, we do research on aging.” Now, if ever there was a statement that begged a question. Here’s what Tom told me: “We had one—a 10-pounder—that lived for eight years in one of our research tanks. In the wild, where they gain approximately a pound per year, they may live up to 20 years. However, their average lifespan is appreciably shorter here in the Keys where they’re hunted.” “We also do stock assessments and study reproductive capacities by counting eggs.” He then added: “We’re not only trying to conserve the resource, but to make it better for our stakeholders.” Tom also had nothing but praise for his fellow workers. “This is the best group of scientists I’ve ever worked with.” Dave Eaken, an FWC spiny lobster researcher, captures a That feeling prevailed during all my interviews. large lobster for measuring and release in the protected area near the Dry Tortugas. Photo: Dr. Jiangang Luo. Hooked on Snook Of additional interest is snook research, which is under the direction of Alexis Trotter. Trotter, a 15-year FWRI veteran, is based in St. Petersburg. But, like many of her colleagues, she works occasionally at other locations— like the one in Tequesta. “So far, we’ve identified five species of snook in the state’s Atlantic waters, but (we think) just two in the Gulf. Meanwhile, Gulf and Atlantic common snook are genetically-different. They have different growth rates, and put on weight differently. As far as actual species, each prefers a specific habitat.” “We do directed projects, like sampling rivers in the Tampa Bay area for age, size and sex distributions in relation to the environment. We once believed that snook only ascended them during the winter. But we now know they’re here year-round. How long do they stay? Is it to put on weight? Do they spawn in freshwater? As far as the latter, we don’t think so. But these are some of the questions we’re hoping to answer.” “Over the years, bag limits have changed. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned since I joined this project, it’s that snook fishermen police themselves.” Trotter then explained: “They tend to limit their kill, rather than doing just the opposite.”

Anglers can help Alexis by participating in FWRI’s Carcass-Collection Program. Log on to http://myfwc.com/research/saltwater/fish/snook/anglers-help/.

Funky Tides

Then, last but not least, I spoke with Alina Corcoran, PhD, who, along with the Harmful Algal Bloom Team, monitors Karenia brevis, the Red Tide organism, in Florida waters. Along with routine monitoring of this toxic algae, the FWRI travels in response to specific “events.” Here, she shares some insight:

“The peak time for blooms, which begin in deep water before moving inshore with the wind and the current, is late summer and fall. They then can persist all winter.”

One of the most important aspects of Alina’s work is monitoring shellfish, which—being filter-feeders—can harbor the toxin.

“We work with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services in monitoring Red Tide in shellfish-harvesting areas.”

Now, here’s the good news, according to Alina: “Don’t worry about eating shellfish in a restaurant; it’s all been tested.”

People with Passion

When Kelly Richmond and I last chatted in the wake of MarineQuest, she echoed a sentiment I’d felt all along. As she put it: “Although I don’t have a scientific background, I work with scientists—and one thing I know: You can feel the passion when they do these outreaches, especially when someone asks them a question. ‘What had that fish been eating,’ or ‘may I touch those samples?’ When it all comes together, the effect is electric. If we’ve created a future generation that cares about this, then we’ve done our job.” Left: Alexis Trotter holds a snook caught in August 2015 at Jupiter Inlet. Biologists were sampling female snook for reproductive dynamics. Below: Dr. Elizabeth Wallace holds up a tube filled with bonefish larvae. She traveled to Grand Bahama in April 2015 to conduct intensive field work for the bonefish recruitment dynamics and genetic population structure study. Bottom: This baby bonefish is approximately two months old. Bonefish possess a special type of larvae called a leptocephalus that is nearly transparent. Photos: Justin Lewis/Bonefish and Tarpon Trust.