Western Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Close-Kin Mark-Recapture Abundance Estimation

Ocean-wide movement and mixing between tuna stocks make population monitoring difficult and increase uncertainty in sustainable-harvest estimates. Matthew Lauretta presents genetic close-kin mark-recapture methods evaluated using western Atlantic bluefin tuna collected during fisheries monitoring and research surveys.

Larvae sampled on western spawning grounds provide genetic links to mature fish at spawning time. Adults later migrate to Northwest Atlantic feeding grounds, where they mix with other stocks. Comparing larval genotypes with adults caught by fisheries identifies parent–offspring relationships, allowing estimation of capture probabilities and the total abundance and biomass of the spawning population with relatively high precision.

Online via Vimeo with advance attendee registration, including an option for attendees outside NOAA. Live captions are available and a recording is planned.