A new video shows how fishing guides and Florida Sea Grant agents are collaborating on a novel snook research study.

Warmer winters have caused snook populations to expand northward in the Gulf of Mexico and scientists suspect climate change could be responsible. Emma Pistole, a master’s student at the University of Florida, is working with the UF/IFAS Nature Coast Biological Station to determine whether individuals in the new northern population are genetically distinct from snook in the southern population. This information will determine whether the two populations need to be managed as separate fisheries.

With the help of local fishing guides, Pistole is collecting snook fin clips for DNA analysis. She credits Florida Sea Grant agents with helping her find fishing guides willing to help with the project.