Gray FishTag Research & Crocodile Bay Launch Groundbreaking Study
Crocodile Bay recently had the honor of hosting a historic milestone in Costa Rica fisheries research alongside Gray FishTag Research (GFR): the first-ever satellite tagging project for Cubera Snapper in Costa Rica.
The expedition took place at the GFR Research Center located at Crocodile Bay and marks an exciting step forward in understanding the movement, behavior, and habitat use of one of the Pacific’s most powerful and respected gamefish species.
The satellite tag has been programmed to collect data over the next five months. Once the information is received and analyzed, researchers hope to gain valuable new insights into Cubera Snapper migration patterns and behavior throughout the region.
Training, Teamwork & Conservation
The expedition began with a hands-on educational session for Crocodile Bay captains and mates focused on the importance of fish tagging and the long-term benefits of fisheries research and conservation.
The enthusiasm and commitment from the entire team highlighted the strong conservation ethic shared throughout Costa Rica’s sportfishing community.
Early the next morning, a 14-person research team departed the marina with one clear mission: catch, tag, and safely release a healthy Cubera Snapper measuring at least 34 inches to carry the MicroPAT satellite tag.
The Search for the Perfect Fish
After making the run offshore to the legendary Sirena Reef aboard two Strike 35 boats, the team quickly found action. Roosterfish, Spanish mackerel, and several Cubera Snapper were successfully caught, tagged with GFR green tags, and released healthy throughout the day.
But the right Cubera Snapper for the satellite tag remained elusive.
As the hours passed, anticipation continued to build across both boats. Then, during the final hour of the expedition, the radio crackled with the words everyone had been waiting for:
“WE HAVE THE FISH!”
The teams quickly came together for a boat-to-boat transfer, and the satellite tag was successfully deployed on a healthy 35-inch Cubera Snapper.
A Historic Moment for Costa Rica Fisheries Research
The excitement shared among the crews in that moment was unforgettable. Everyone involved understood they had just participated in something never before accomplished in Costa Rica.
Back at the dock, the teams gathered to celebrate the successful mission, reflect on the experience, and share stories from an unforgettable day on the water.
This project represents another important step forward in fisheries science, conservation, and responsible sportfishing in Costa Rica.
Over the coming months, researchers will follow the journey of this fish through satellite data collected from the tag.
Thank You to Gray FishTag Research
A huge thank you goes out to the team at Gray FishTag Research for their dedication to advancing fisheries science and conservation.
We are also incredibly proud of the captains, mates, and staff at Crocodile Bay whose passion, local knowledge, and commitment to responsible fishing helped make this historic expedition
possible.
Projects like this help ensure healthy fisheries and sustainable sportfishing opportunities for future generations.
Tight lines,
The Crocodile Bay Team
