Maine Fishermen Asked to Take Photos of Bass in the Name of Science

Recreational fishermen dipping their poles in waters across the state of Maine are being asked to take some snapshots of any striped bass they happen to catch this summer for the sake of science.

According to a press release, the Coastal Conservation Association-Maine and the Gulf of Maine Researchers Institute have teamed up for a project they are calling “Snap-A-Striper,” which will be utilized to gather information on the fish that migrate to Maine during the summer months.

However, in order to make this project work, it is being requested that all anglers snap photographs of their catches along side of data cards that provide information like the angler’s name, date and catch location.

“We are excited to engage with recreational anglers on an important research project regarding the origin of striped bass caught in Maine’s coastal waters,” said Lisa Kerr, Ph.D, Fisheries Ecologist at the Gulf of Maine Research Institute.

Fishermen that choose to participate in the Snap-A-Striper project will simply email their photos to the research team. Scientists say this effort will allow them to improve upon fisheries management.

For more information about the Snap-A-Striper project, click here.