S2E05: The Black Marlin Project w/ Chloe Mikles

In this episode of the Katie C. Sawyer podcast, host Katie welcomes back Chloe Mikles, a marine biologist and PhD candidate, to discuss her research on bluefin tuna and black marlin. They explore Chloe's recent adventures at Tropic Star Lodge, the importance of conservation efforts in fishing communities, and the innovative tagging programs that help scientists understand these species better. The conversation also delves into the economic impacts of fisheries management and the role of citizen science in marine research, particularly through the Great Marlin Race. In this conversation, Chloe and Katie delve into the dynamics of fishing tournaments, particularly the Great Marlin Race, and the importance of citizen science in engaging anglers. They discuss Chloe's collaboration with renowned marine artist and scientist Dr. Guy Harvey, her experiences fishing with experts, and the techniques used in tagging Black Marlin. The conversation also explores the physiological differences between Black and Blue Marlin, their behaviors, and the ongoing research in billfish conservation. In this conversation, Chloe and Katie delve into the complexities of billfish species, particularly focusing on black marlin. They discuss the challenges of understanding migration patterns and spawning locations, the innovative tagging and tracking methods being developed, and the importance of community involvement in marine research. Chloe shares insights from her research project, highlighting the need for collaboration and funding to support conservation efforts. The conversation emphasizes the excitement of exploration in marine biology and the significance of engaging the fishing community in scientific endeavors.

https://www.tagagiant.org/

Email Chloe: csmikles@stanford.edu

Instagram: @Coastal_chloe

 

takeaways

• Chloe is a PhD candidate studying bluefin tuna and black marlin.
• Tropic Star Lodge is a premier location for fishing and research.
• Conservation efforts are supported by local fishing communities.
• Tagging programs provide crucial data on fish migration patterns.
• Bluefin tuna research has been extensive due to their economic importance.
• Pacific bluefin tuna populations have shown signs of recovery.
• The Great Marlin Race engages anglers in scientific research.
• Citizen science is vital for gathering data on billfish.
• Fishermen's observations contribute to scientific understanding.
• Effective fisheries management is essential for sustainable fishing. The Great Maryland Race involves tournaments where the furthest fish wins.
• Citizen science enhances angler engagement and investment in fish conservation.
• Collaboration with experts like Guy Harvey enriches research efforts.
• Fishing with seasoned professionals provides invaluable learning experiences.
• Tagging efforts require collaboration among the fishing community.
• Understanding fish physiology is crucial for successful releases.
• Black Marlin exhibit different behaviors compared to Blue Marlin.
• The fight dynamics of Black Marlin can vary significantly.
• Research on billfish phylogeny is constantly evolving with new data.
• Effective conservation strategies depend on angler participation and education. Billfish species have complex migration patterns and spawning locations.
• Black marlin are primarily found in the Indo-Pacific, with limited known spawning sites.
• Tagging technology is evolving to better track billfish movements.
• Community involvement is crucial for marine research and conservation efforts.
• Understanding climate impacts, like El Nino, is vital for fish populations.
• Innovative tagging methods are being tested to improve data collection.
• Collaboration among scientists is essential for advancing marine research.
• The fishing community plays a significant role in supporting conservation initiatives.
• Research on billfish can lead to better management practices for fisheries.
• Engaging the public in marine science can foster greater awareness and support for conservation.