The University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast Research Laboratory is conducting a study of genetic stock structure of yellowfin tuna in the Atlantic ocean. The yellowfin tuna is a highly mobile tropical tuna that has the potential to travel long distances but the actual degree of connectivity among regional populations within the Atlantic is still largely unknown.The objective of this project is to employ new genomic methods to study stock structure within the Atlantic and the degree of mixing among geographic stocks.

The first project phase focuses on establishing a baseline genetic profile of yellowfin tuna regional populations in the east and west Atlantic. To establish this baseline, we are looking for samples (fin clips) from juvenile yellowfin tunas from the Gulf of Mexico and southeast United States that will be used in conjunction with samples from other nursery areas in a comparative study.

The baseline dataset will allow us to determine if there are genetic differences among geographic populations in the Atlantic which would indicate that migrations between these stocks are restricted. The baseline will also be used to determine the structure and composition of yellowfin tuna captured in the main fishing areas exploited by U.S. fisheries in a second project phase. In the context of this second phase, we are also looking for samples of adult specimens from the Gulf of Mexico and off the U.S. east coast. If you would like to help us with fin clip samples from your catch, please contact us using the contact information below. Thank you for helping us learn more on the biology of this wonderful fish.

Contacts:
Eric Saillant, E-mail: eric.saillant@usm.edu, Ph. 228-818-8007
Nour Salam, E-mail: nour.salam@eagles.usm.edu, Ph. 228-818-8006