Pelagic Fisheries Lab

est. 2011

Dr. Walter Golet & Lab Manager, Sammi Nadeau, using a saw tool to cut off an Atlantic bluefin tuna head for the Pelagic Fisheries Lab to take samples from.

The overall research goal of the Pelagic Fisheries Lab is to get a better understanding of the life history of highly migratory species, particularly in the Northwest Atlantic. Although we conduct research on several highly migratory species such as tunas, sharks, and billfish, our primary focus is on true tunas, specifically Atlantic bluefin tuna.

We collect biological samples from June to December every year during the commercial fishing season. Our research would not, and could not, be possible if it were not for the local fishermen, dealers, and tournaments who donate the necessary biological samples needed to help us answer various research questions.

Research Assistant, Mackenzie, cutting into a recreational sized Atlantic bluefin tuna to extract otoliths.

We Strive to…

  • Fill in life history knowledge gaps for highly migratory species such as:
  • Atlantic bluefin tuna
  • Yellowfin tuna
  • Bigeye tuna
  • Albacore tuna
  • Sailfish
  • Blue marlin
  • White marlin
  • Swordfish
  • Blue sharks
  • Mako sharks
  • Porbeagle sharks
  • White sharks
  • Collaborate with fishers, industry members, managers, and researchers both domestically and internationally to improve biological understanding, inform best management practices, and reduce stock assessment uncertainties.
  • Use innovative, rigorous, hands-on scientific methods to develop more accurate stock assessments and put fishery managers in a position to succeed.
All things tunas, sharks, and billfish…

These highly migratory species are among the world’s most sought-after fish, yet large parts of their life histories remain unknown. Even simple attributes such as longevity (how long-lived these species can be), reproduction (when, where, and how they reproduce), and stock structure (where the fish spawned) remain elusive. These remain questions largely because of their size and ability to cross entire oceans and the political boundaries within them. The Pelagic Fisheries Lab provides the biological information needed to improve stock status estimates, set appropriate quotas, ensure long-term sustainability, and preserve commercial and recreational fishing opportunities for these species.

TUNAS
Sharks
Billfish
Students in the 2024 Biology of Marine Vertebrates course, offered at the University of Maine, dissecting a blue shark.
Students in the 2024 Biology of Marine Vertebrates course, offered at the University of Maine, dissecting a blue shark.
Questions? Email us!

pelagicfisherieslab@gmail.com