The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources is seeking help from anglers targeting cobia to collect DNA samples and to donate racks of fish caught in 2008. The Sustainable Aquaculture and Fisheries Enhancement (SAFE) program within the Marine Resources Division has an ongoing research project to improve our understanding of the life history of this important recreational species. The samples donated to SCDNR provide valuable information about cobia recruitment, age, growth, and habitat utilization. In addition, genetic analysis will help us characterize the wild population structure and identify fish of hatchery origin. Angler cooperation is a vital aspect of our stock enhancement efforts.
Those anglers who wish to participate in the fin clip program will be provided a collection kit that includes 10 small vials and a data sheet with instructions on how to collect the samples. Fin clips can be taken quickly and easily with no harm done to the fish itself, yet they contain all the DNA necessary to characterize the population. Because sampled fish can be released alive, this method is ideal for fish under the minimum size and for those anglers practicing catch and release. Collection kits are free and can be picked up at Lowcountry Marine Supply on Robert Smalls Pkwy in Beaufort, Glidden Paint on New Orleans Rd on Hilton Head Island, or at the Waddell Mariculture Center on Sawmill Creek Rd in Bluffton. Once the season is over or the kit is full, you can drop them off at any of the same locations or they can be mailed to the address below.
Anglers who wish to keep their catch are asked to drop off the filleted rack in one of our collection freezers. There is no need to take a DNA sample of these fish. Freezers are located at Edisto Watersports and Tackle on Edisto Island, at B&B Seafood at Bennett’s Point, at Port Royal Landing Marina in Beaufort, at the Boathouse on Hilton Head Island, and at the Waddell Mariculture Center on Sawmill Creek Rd. in Bluffton. Racks should be placed inside a g