![]() The Fishing for Science program launched in part to investigate the sustainability of catch-and-release recreational fishing at the atoll for four popular game species: giant trevally, bluefin trevally, peach-faced triggerfish and titan triggerfish. Given its remote location and protected status, Palmyra has become a hub of conservation research on coral reefs, fisheries, oceanography, invasive species removal and many other topics. Fish and Wildlife Service, which expanded protection by designating the islands and surrounding waters as a National Wildlife Refuge out to 12 nautical miles. It then sold roughly half of the property to the U.S. The Nature Conservancy acquired the privately-owned Palmyra Atoll in 2000, to run as a nature preserve. In the weeks ahead, I’ll share stories of science and adventure from my 10 days on Palmyra. I’m the first writer to participate in this program, which has been hosting angler-conservationists as research participants since 2018. We’re participating in the Fishing for Science research program at Palmyra Atoll, a remote uninhabited island nearly 1,000 miles south of Hawaii. ![]() By the end of the trip, we will have carried this out more than 200 times with bluefin and giant trevally. It takes longer to write the process than actually do it. With a shake of its tail, it darts off into the lagoon. The microchip is successfully implanted.Īll data recorded, I pick up the fish and gently cradle it in the water. “No chip detected,” I call out.īy then Kawika is there with a small “gun” that inserts a microchip (known as a Passive Integrated Transponder) just under the trevally’s skin. I reach for a chip reader and run it over the fish, much like you would scan an item at the supermarket. We place a wet rag over the fish’s eyes to keep it calm, and then Kawika reads off its measurements to Kydd Pollock, the research trip leader. I set the rod aside and drop beside him to assist. In one seamless move, he lifts the fish by the tail and gently guides it onto the measuring board. My fishing partner, Kawika Auld, a master angler from Hawaii, is already by the side of the boat, gloves on and ready to go. Right now is when we really have to hustle. Usually, this is the point to relax, snap a couple of photos, savor the moment. I pull it alongside the boat and confirm my identification. I have a fish to reel in, as quickly as possible.Īs I fight the fish, I can tell it’s not a big one, likely a young bluefin trevally. ![]() Everywhere I look, my naturalist’s eyes find something of interest.Īnd then my rod twitches, and I’m brought back to my purpose. Sea turtles and giant manta rays drift effortlessly by. Thousands of terns and boobies circle overhead. It’s easy to be distracted as the boat slowly motors through the lagoon. ![]()
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