3/15/13

Among the many standout features of the 2013 Clipperton voyage was the opportunity for Royal Star anglers to again participate in the advancement of knowledge about yellowfin tuna through opportunistic tagging by scientists Kurt Schaefer and Daniel Fuller from the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission. As on every past voyage when Kurt and Danny were seeking volunteered tuna to tag and release as part of their research the 2013 Clipperton run found anglers eager to provide as many specimens as necessary.

Even at times to my slight chagrin, as the hatches were not exactly filling at a pace to my satisfaction, anglers readily volunteered tuna in the 100# class for tagging and release without a second thought. It was another fantastic example of environmental stewardship the vast majority of Royal Star anglers practice, tagging or otherwise. The support for these studies among long range anglers is meaningful and significant. Time and again, since October 2001, tagging objectives have been easily achieved through the eager support of sport fishing anglers that understand the need to give something back if we, and successive generations, are to enjoy this fishery well into the future.

And while there are times that my old school drive for production chafes when we are early in a voyage, the hatches are void, and beautiful, worthy tagged tuna are flying back into the water I know the results are well worth it. Every time I see one of those tuna sail over the side and swim away carrying their new tags I can't help but feel the strong sense of satisfaction that always accompanies doing something right. Hundreds of Royal Star anglers over the years can personally relate; there is nothing to compare.

Today's photo sequence features the tag and release of a 120 pound yellowfin from beginning to end. Senior IATTC scientist Kurt Schaefer performs the archival tag surgery while Dan Fuller assists. Then the Herculean strength of Royal Star crewman Blake Wasano is enlisted to lift and heave the lucky tuna back over the side. I'll share a few more good tagging images in upcoming days.

Tim Ekstrom

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