A new fishing-based research initiative is calling on recreational catch-and-release anglers to help scientists better understand Atlantic bluefin tuna, according to the most recent data released November 6, 2025. The United States Atlantic recreational harvest of bluefin is currently closed, but the research effort led by the University of Maine’s Pelagic Fisheries Lab (Genetics for Giants & Juvies program) invites anglers to collect scientific tissue samples when they encounter the species.
Recreational anglers who hook bluefin are asked to record the fish’s length, note the water temperature and location of the catch, perform a small non-lethal fin clip for genetic analysis, and then safely release the fish. The study uses an advanced technique called Close-Kin Mark Recapture (CKMR), which links genetic samples to identify whether the fish belong to the western Atlantic stock (spawned in the Gulf of Mexico) or the eastern stock (spawned in the Mediterranean Sea).
The ultimate goal of the project is to estimate more accurate population abundance and future productivity of Atlantic bluefin tuna. The researchers say these data will give fisheries managers better tools to set sustainable catch limits and support long-term recovery of this highly prized game fish.
Anglers from North Carolina to Maine who believe they may encounter bluefin tuna are encouraged to request a free sample kit, which contains 15 vials and detailed instructions for collecting and submitting the fin clips. Serious participation is required because limited funding means kits are issued only when anglers commit to follow the protocol.
Though focused on the Atlantic population, the call for involvement underscores the importance of angler collaboration in scientific research — especially for species managed under international quotas. With bluefin populations showing signs of recovery, but harvest restrictions tightening, participation in this study offers a unique opportunity for sportfishermen to contribute to the future of their fishery.
