In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Walt Golet, a brilliant scientist from the University of Maine, to dive into a revolutionary project that could change the future of the bluefin tuna fishery.

We're talking about the Close Kin Mark-Recapture Initiative, a groundbreaking collaboration between Walt's lab and Viking Yachts. The goal? To get a more accurate picture of the Atlantic bluefin population and secure the long-term health of this incredible fishery.

As fishermen, we've seen the bluefin stock make an incredible recovery, but that success brings new challenges. Walt breaks down why our current stock assessments may not be accurate enough and how this can lead to a "regulatory spiral."

The solution is an innovative approach that uses a simple fin clip to gather a wealth of data from live fish. We'll discuss:

• How the Close Kin method provides a more accurate count of fish, narrowing the "cloud of uncertainty" in stock assessments.
• The surprising reality of stock mixing and how a fish caught in the U.S. might have been spawned in the Mediterranean.
• How a tiny piece of fin can reveal a fish's sex, age, and stock origin—without having to harvest it.
• The "Genetics for Giants and Juvies" project and how you can easily participate for free.
• The incredible, symbiotic relationship between scientists and the fishing community.

This is a must-listen for anyone who loves bluefin tuna. It's a powerful reminder that by working together, we can ensure a sustainable future for the fish we all love to chase.

Learn more & get involved:

Request a Kit:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfXxMQZGTnRos9T3mQSztmfcJKUEZdHiXJxAMgHmDmttI596A/viewform

More info on UMaine:

https://umaine.edu/pelagicfisherieslab/2025/06/05/genetics-for-giants-juvies/

Donate to the Cause:

https://securelb.imodules.com/s/300/13-ORONO/foundation/index-social.aspx?sid=300&gid=13&pgid=748&cid=1912&dids=3010&sort=1&bledit=1&appealcode=O751

Follow the program on Instagram:

@pelagicfisherieslab

Email Walt at:

walter.golet@maine.edu

Watch this 4 minute video of Walt walking us through the science behind Close Kin and why he thinks this will give us the data foundation to increase our catch limits:

https://youtu.be/-OeB6nqdsBI

Watch this 4 minute video of Walt walking us through some incredible migratory patterns of satellite tagged fish:

https://youtu.be/-OeB6nqdsBI

Special thanks to Viking Yachts for making this episode possible!!

In this episode of the Katie C. Sawyer podcast, Captain John Galvin shares his journey from growing up in a fishing family in Woods Hole, Massachusetts, to becoming the captain of the El Diablo. He discusses the importance of crew dynamics, communication, and mutual respect in the fishing industry. John also highlights the rich history of Nantucket as a fishing hub and the diverse species targeted in the Northeast. The conversation delves into the Skillie project, aimed at understanding white marlin populations and their migratory patterns, emphasizing the need for ongoing research and conservation efforts. In this conversation, John Galvin discusses the Skillie Project, which aims to tag white marlin to better understand their migratory patterns and conservation needs. He emphasizes the socioeconomic impact of recreational fishing on coastal communities and the importance of collaboration with local stakeholders. The discussion also touches on the emotional connection many have with fishing, the origins of the Skillie Project, and the data collection from satellite tags. Additionally, the conversation addresses the debate surrounding kill tournaments and the role of recreational fishermen in conservation efforts.

https://www.theskillieproject.com/

Follow the Skillie Project on Instagram Here

Follow Capt. John Galvin on Instagram Here

In this episode of the Katie C. Sawyer podcast, host Katie welcomes back Chloe Mikles, a marine biologist and PhD candidate, to discuss her research on bluefin tuna and black marlin. They explore Chloe's recent adventures at Tropic Star Lodge, the importance of conservation efforts in fishing communities, and the innovative tagging programs that help scientists understand these species better. The conversation also delves into the economic impacts of fisheries management and the role of citizen science in marine research, particularly through the Great Marlin Race. In this conversation, Chloe and Katie delve into the dynamics of fishing tournaments, particularly the Great Marlin Race, and the importance of citizen science in engaging anglers. They discuss Chloe's collaboration with renowned marine artist and scientist Dr. Guy Harvey, her experiences fishing with experts, and the techniques used in tagging Black Marlin. The conversation also explores the physiological differences between Black and Blue Marlin, their behaviors, and the ongoing research in billfish conservation. In this conversation, Chloe and Katie delve into the complexities of billfish species, particularly focusing on black marlin. They discuss the challenges of understanding migration patterns and spawning locations, the innovative tagging and tracking methods being developed, and the importance of community involvement in marine research. Chloe shares insights from her research project, highlighting the need for collaboration and funding to support conservation efforts. The conversation emphasizes the excitement of exploration in marine biology and the significance of engaging the fishing community in scientific endeavors.

https://www.tagagiant.org/

Email Chloe: csmikles@stanford.edu

Instagram: @Coastal_chloe

takeaways

• Chloe is a PhD candidate studying bluefin tuna and black marlin.
• Tropic Star Lodge is a premier location for fishing and research.
• Conservation efforts are supported by local fishing communities.
• Tagging programs provide crucial data on fish migration patterns.
• Bluefin tuna research has been extensive due to their economic importance.
• Pacific bluefin tuna populations have shown signs of recovery.
• The Great Marlin Race engages anglers in scientific research.
• Citizen science is vital for gathering data on billfish.
• Fishermen's observations contribute to scientific understanding.
• Effective fisheries management is essential for sustainable fishing. The Great Maryland Race involves tournaments where the furthest fish wins.
• Citizen science enhances angler engagement and investment in fish conservation.
• Collaboration with experts like Guy Harvey enriches research efforts.
• Fishing with seasoned professionals provides invaluable learning experiences.
• Tagging efforts require collaboration among the fishing community.
• Understanding fish physiology is crucial for successful releases.
• Black Marlin exhibit different behaviors compared to Blue Marlin.
• The fight dynamics of Black Marlin can vary significantly.
• Research on billfish phylogeny is constantly evolving with new data.
• Effective conservation strategies depend on angler participation and education. Billfish species have complex migration patterns and spawning locations.
• Black marlin are primarily found in the Indo-Pacific, with limited known spawning sites.
• Tagging technology is evolving to better track billfish movements.
• Community involvement is crucial for marine research and conservation efforts.
• Understanding climate impacts, like El Nino, is vital for fish populations.
• Innovative tagging methods are being tested to improve data collection.
• Collaboration among scientists is essential for advancing marine research.
• The fishing community plays a significant role in supporting conservation initiatives.
• Research on billfish can lead to better management practices for fisheries.
• Engaging the public in marine science can foster greater awareness and support for conservation.