The program, starting in March 2025, includes tagging tarpon with acoustic transmitters. Acoustic tagging involves inserting a small device into an incision in the belly of the fish, placing a stitch, and releasing the fish alive. An array of listening stations around the ponds will track their movements. Water level loggers are also placed around the ponds and in Lemon Creek to determine in real time the effect of rain and tidal events that allow the movement of snook and tarpon.
Other FWC monitoring stations in Lemon Bay and Charlotte Harbor have been set up to monitor the tagged fish with the goal of better understanding the habitats used by this species throughout its lifecycle.
