Looking for tarpon in the wilds of Wildflower: Findings and discussion scheduled for January

BY MARCY SHORTUSE - Stalking baby tarpon in the backwaters of Wildflower Preserve can be tricky business. It requires a boat, a long piece of PVC and nerves of steel.

Lew Hastings, the Boca Grande Area Chamber of Commerce executive director, found that out firsthand. He helped to find and tag the juvenile silver king recently, along with Dr. Aaron Adams and several other scientists and volunteers.

It’s interesting how many people found they had other duties when it came time to jump right in the water next to an alligator-warning sign, but Lew was game. That’s where the PVC came into play. It was used as a prodding mechanism to test the waters, so to speak, in front of him as he walked in the water, stalking the fish.

The project, which took place on September 22, was spearheaded through the Lemon Bay Conservancy, Bonefish & Tarpon Trust and Mote Marine Laboratory. It is quite possibly the first of its kind in the country.

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