SPECIAL NOTICE: VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT FOR CONNECTICUT TAUTOG FISHING STUDY

I don't normally use this blog to advertise or promote other parties' activities, but I've been asked to publicize the study and focus group described below.

Given the sorry state of the tautog in Long Island Sound, and my memories of the fishery going back to the late 1950s, when what we called "blackfish" were abundant and available to a degree that today's fishermen probably can't even imagine, I thought that it was worth making an exception to my usual "no promotions" rule.

Recruitment Flyer for Focus Group Participants

Long Island Sound Tautog Fishing Study

---- Requesting Volunteers for a Focus Group Discussion

As fall approaches, tautog becomes a primary target. Unfortunately, increased harvest of tautog in Long Island Sound has reduced the population of fish, which resulted in a shorter fishing season and more restrictive “bag limits”. The purpose of this focus group is to discuss alternative management options, while also helping Sea Grant researchers to develop a survey that will help solicit opinions from a large number and wide range of tautog anglers. In addition, management options that could potentially rebuild the stock of tautog in Long Island Sound and provide for a longer season will be discussed.

We will limit discussion to 2 hours, and participants will receive $60 in appreciation for their time and any effort required to travel to the discussion. Please reply to eric.schultz@uconn.edu to participate in the study. Due to limitations on space, it is important that participants receive confirmation of their pre-registration through email.

This is your chance to have your opinion heard!

Location: Marine Fisheries Headquarters and Boating Division - 333 Ferry Road, Old Lyme

Time: Tuesday Oct. 2nd 7:00pm-9:00pm

We will be happy to answer any question you have about this study. If you have further questions about this study or if you have a research-related question, you may contact the principal investigator, (Eric Schultz: 860-486-4692; email eric.schultz@uconn.edu, subject line: “CT Sea Grant”). If you have any questions concerning your rights as a research participant, you may contact the University of Connecticut Institutional Review Board (IRB) at 860-486-8802.