The New Jersey DEP Fish and Wildlife is currently conducting an annual population assessment survey targeting yellow stage American eels in Great Bay. In response to the 2012 Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s (ASMFC) Benchmark Stock Assessment of American Eel indicating a depleted stock status, New Jersey developed and implemented a fishery-independent survey targeting yellow eels during 2015. The survey is conducted biannually during the spring and fall months.
The purpose of this survey is to collect abundance data of yellow American eels within nursery grounds. In addition, this survey indicates suitable adult habitats and allows biologists to collect biological samples from individual fish.
Beginning in May 2022, the survey will be expanded to include tagging yellow eels with an internal Passive Integrated Transponders (PIT) tag. Tagging programs allow biologists to learn more about the movement and growth rates of various species. Before being released, the PIT tag will be inserted into the abdomen of each eel, just beneath the skin.
The average person will not see this tag because of its small size and the fact that it is located entirely inside the eel. Tags are detected with a wand (scanner) and detections will likely only come from researchers who are scanning for tag presence. Reports of tagged American eels are important to this research. Researchers who capture American eels and have the tools to scan the fish are being asked to assist with reporting tagged eels. Please contact Jen Pyle at 609-748-2020 if you catch an eel with a tag inside or for more information about the project.
For more information about American eels, see The Incredible American Eel.
