Red Drum Satellite TaggingNorth Carolina Marine & Estuary Foundation
- Number of Fish Tagged in 2024: 10
- Location Tagged: Pamlico Sound
- Tag Type: SeaTag-GEO pop-up satellite tag
- Cost per Tag: $2,500 including monthly subscription fees
Overview
As North Carolina’s state saltwater fish, the red drum is not only a popular target for anglers but also a species of significant economic importance. Each year, anglers average 3 million fishing trips in pursuit of red drum, contributing to the $4 billion spent on coastal fishing in North Carolina. To unlock the story of red drum movement, the Foundation has joined forces with the NC Division of Marine Fisheries to launch a groundbreaking red drum satellite tagging project along the North Carolina coast.
The Issue
As identified in the Division’s red drum research needs, there is more to learn about the stock structure, spawning migrations, and habitat preferences of adult red drum. Being a species of economic importance, several key questions remain unanswered: Where do red drum spawn? How far do they travel? How often do they pass through the ocean inlets, and do they head north to Virginia or make their way beyond South Carolina?
Our Solution
To address these questions and more, the North Carolina Marine & Estuary Foundation has joined forces with the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries to launch an innovative red drum satellite tagging project along our coast.
Adult red drum are affixed with satellite tags that transmit daily positioning data (7-8 times per day) from each fish to the Argos satellite network and then to the computer software.
Pilot Study
In 2024, our Foundation purchased the first batch of satellite tags. That fall, the Division tagged 10 red drum in the Pamlico Sound during their annual longline survey. This pilot work allowed us to determine the best method for affixing the tag to the fish and provided a glimpse into the data we’re set to receive.
What’s Next?
With all that we learned in year one, we’re excited to be able to expand in year two. In 2025, the Foundation will partner with local recreational fishing guides to catch and tag 20 red drum along our coast, while the Division will tag an additional 20 during their longline survey in the Pamlico Sound. These tags will stay active for 4, 6, or 12 months, allowing us to discover even more about our state saltwater fish.
