Jared Handelman, a Ph.D. student at Stony Brook University’s School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences (SoMAS) in Southampton, is seeking help from local anglers as part of an ongoing study of Atlantic menhaden, commonly known as bunker.
Working with Dr. Joe Warren in the Acoustic Laboratory for Ecological Studies, Handelman’s research focuses on the distribution, abundance and ecology of menhaden and the predators that depend on them. Surveys are being conducted along Long Island’s South Shore using drones and satellite imagery to locate and quantify menhaden schools while documenting associated predators such as striped bass, bluefish, tuna, whales, dolphins and sharks.
As part of the project, researchers are looking to collect menhaden scales to study age and growth patterns. Anglers who regularly encounter or catch bunker in the Jones Beach, Dune Road and Montauk Point areas are being asked to contribute samples.
Requested information includes the date and time of capture, location and method of capture, total length, standard length, weight and approximately six scales from each side of the fish. Researchers are hoping to obtain roughly 20 fish from each study area. Scales can be placed in small vials or arranged for pickup.
The samples will be used strictly for scientific research and will contribute to a broader effort to better understand the age structure, growth, distribution and ecology of Atlantic menhaden around Long Island.
Anglers interested in participating or learning more about the project can contact Jared Handelman at jared.handelman@stonybrook.edu or (917) 775-2140.
