Kingfish Research

Kingfish Population Studies

Overseen by Dr. Dan McCarthy, specimens are donated to JU each year from the Bellsouth Greater Jacksonville Kingfish Tournament. Students assist in the morphological measurements and molecular analysis of the kingfish in order to better understand local kingfish populations and ecology.

Jacksonville University researchers are involved in data collection and economic impact studies on King mackerel caught at local fish tournaments.  This research effort began in the 1980’s and continues to this day.  Each year, one of the largest fishing tournaments in the world called the AT&T Greater Jacksonville Kingfish Tournament occurs in Jacksonville with up to 1,000 registered boats.  This tournament generates millions of dollars in economic impact to the area. JU students are encouraged to take part in this event collecting data on length, weight, girth, and age of the fish. Tissue samples of the fish are also collected for later genetic analysis.  Students can work alongside other researchers from agencies like the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, National Marine Fisheries Service and other local scientists and teachers. For more information, contact Dr. Daniel McCarthy at dmccart1@ju.edu or visit Ongoing Research Opportunities at the Department of Marine Science at JU.