Citizen-science anglers rewarded for donations, tagged fish reports

Brunswick, Ga.

Wednesday, April 10, 2024

Tagged Fish

In a bid to encourage and reward the contributions of anglers to vital fishery research, the Coastal Resources Division (CRD) of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources today announced the winners of a special giveaway linked to the Cooperative Angler Tagging and Carcass Recovery programs.

Six lucky anglers, drawn at random from participants who either donated fish carcasses or reported tagged fish during 2022 and 2023, have been rewarded for their invaluable participation. The winners are:

Nathan Vaughn of Forsyth, Ga.
Michael Lohman of Darien, Ga.
Mary Ann Lynn of St. Marys, Ga.
Brentz McGhin of Blackshear, Ga.
Chad Hodges of Brunswick, Ga.
Darla Warner of New Castle, Ind.

The highlight of the giveaway is the Engel 19 Quart Bait Cooler, renowned for its high-quality and efficiency, ensuring that bait remains fresh throughout the fishing experience. This top-of-the-line cooler was awarded to each of the six winners, along with other exciting items including an engraved filet knife, baseball cap, and re-useable “Support Fish Habitat” license plate shopping bag. These prizes not only serve as a token of appreciation but also aim to enhance the fishing experience for these dedicated individuals.

The Cooperative Angler Tagging Program is a crucial component of the CRD’s efforts to manage fish populations sustainably. By tagging fish and reporting catches, anglers contribute valuable data that help CRD biologists monitor fish growth, survival, and migration patterns. Similarly, the Carcass Recovery Program plays a vital role in assessing the health and composition of fish stocks, with anglers donating the remains of their catches for scientific analysis.

"These programs are instrumental in our ongoing research and conservation efforts," said Jared Flowers, CRD’s Research and Surveys unit lead. "The participation of the angling community provides us with essential data that would be otherwise difficult to obtain. We are deeply grateful for their commitment and are delighted to reward this year's winners with prizes that reflect our appreciation."
Anglers who catch tagged fish are encouraged to report their catch at CoastalGaDNR.org/FishTag. For a list of freezers where fish carcasses can be donated, visit CoastalGaDNR.org/MarineCarcass.

About the Coastal Resources Division

The mission of the Coastal Resources Division is to balance coastal development and protection of the coast's natural assets, socio-cultural heritage and recreational resources for the benefit of present and future generations.