Why are tarpon protected

Tarpon Tarpon. Order — Elopiformes Family — Megalopidae Elopidae Genus — Megalops Species — atlanticus Common Names The silver king is the most common pseudonym given to the tarpon by anglers, descriptive of the bright flash that reflects from its large silver scales when it jumps into the air. Importance to Humans Juvenile tarpon. Danger to Humans Though tarpon usually spook easily and show extreme wariness when around humans, they occasionally, and usually accidentally, injure humans.

Conservation Status Although tarpon may not be harvested commercially, debate looms over the recovery of fish caught and released. Geographical Distribution World distribution map for the tarpon Tarpon inhabit a large range on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean.

Biology Tarpon. Juvenile tarpon. Photo courtesy South Florida Water Management District Food Habits The tarpon employs different feeding techniques depending upon its level of growth and development.

A Stage I larva, leptocephalus, 9. B Stage I larva, leptocephalus, C Stage I larva, leptocephalus, Head shape changing, body thick. D Stage II larva, E Stage II larva, F Stage III larva, Dorsal and anal continue to move anteriorly; gas bladder extends forward.

G Stage III larva, Pigmentation increased over body, particularly between myomeres; dark band over gas bladder. H Stage III larva, I Stage III larva, Spots developing on dorsal and anal. J Juvenile, Spot on doral fin distinct; body pigmentation more profuse. K Juvenile, L Adult, ca. Predators Zooplankton and small fishes prey on tarpon in the egg and larval stages, and piscivorous birds are primary predators of juvenile tarpon once they enter nursery areas.

Sharks, e. Only if the tarpon is properly tagged and the angler believes the tarpon may qualify for a state or world record. All harvest of tarpon has been eliminated, with the exception of the harvest or possession of a single tarpon per year when in pursuit of a state or world record and in conjunction with a tarpon tag.

A tarpon that does not have a tarpon tag attached to it can be temporarily possessed only for photography, measurement of length and girth and scientific sampling, with the stipulation that tarpon more than 40 inches must remain in the water.

A tarpon that does not have a tarpon tag attached to it can be temporarily possessed only for photography, measurement of length and girth and scientific sampling, with the stipulation that tarpon more than 40 inches fork length must remain in the water. To learn more about fish handling and how to help your catch and release fish survive visit MyFWC.

Skip to main content. Report Issues Report fish kills, wildlife emergencies, sightings, etc. Go Outdoors Florida! Expand All Collapse All. What are the current regulations for fishing for tarpon? Hook-and-line only; snagging, snatch hooking, spearing and the use of a multiple hook in conjunction with live or dead natural bait is prohibited.

Tarpon is a catch-and-release-only species, with the exception of the harvest or possession of a single tarpon when in pursuit of a state or world and in conjunction with a tarpon tag. The early season Tarpon are resident fish of Tampa Bay. Tarpon are rarely eaten because their flesh is filled with small, hard to clean bones. In the United States, the tarpon usually is caught for sport — and then released.

As a bony, strong-smelling saltwater fish, it may be more trouble than pleasure to eat. Tarpon regulations extend into federal waters and there is a one-fish-per vessel limit. The bonefish tournament exemption permit is eliminated. Transport or shipment of tarpon is limited to one fish per person. Tarpon can breathe air. Their gills are the major respiratory organ.

A tarpon can gulp air on the surface because they have a swim bladder that has a direct connection from the specialized bladder to its esophagus throat. Yes, they do. They have an enormous mouth, often exaggerated by anglers as being the size of a five-gallon bucket, tarpon have extremely small villiform i. You can use casting, drifting, still fishing and trolling to catch a Tarpon.

Search Go. Protecting Tarpon and Bonefish in Florida Florida proposes to make tarpon and bonefish catch-and-release only.. Photo Inquires: jeremiah surfline. In Florida, fishing for tarpon and bonefish is big business.