NOAA Funds Golet’s Latest Western Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Research

ORONO —The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration awarded Golet, a research assistant professor with the UMaine School of Marine Sciences, more than $276,000 to lead a team of researchers who will collect and analyze updated western Atlantic bluefin tuna population data, according to a news release from UMaine.

The new data is to help reduce uncertainties in assessment models that estimate the amount of fish in the fishery, which can help guide management practices and prevent overfishing, he said.

Golet was also awarded almost $300,000 from the NOAA for a project to help bolster the Atlantic bluefin tuna industry. The multi-pronged effort includes developing best practices for handling, particularly cleaning and chilling the fish, and outreach to improve consumer perceptions and markets, he said.

“Atlantic bluefin tuna are a seasonal migrator to the Gulf of Maine and an important top predator in the ecosystem,” said Golet, who is located at the Gulf of Maine Research Institute. “They also provide a locally sourced, sustainable and high quality source of seafood and help to support the coastal communities of Maine.”

Golet’s research primarily centers around the collection and analysis of biological samples used to improve stock assessments for migratory species in the Atlantic. This research is focused on Atlantic bluefin tuna, of which Golet’s lab routinely samples over 1,200 fish per season.

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