He established the Pfleger Institute of Environmental Research (PIER) in the late 1990’s as part of his commitment to the ocean, a place where he had always found peace. He wanted to create a research institute that would bridge the knowledge gap that often exists between fisheries managers and those that spend their lives on the water. Tom also wanted to see science inform fisheries management and thought that research should be directed towards those species that support our fishing communities.
Tom Pfleger releasing a Pacific bluefin tuna that he tagged aboard the Polaris Supreme.
Over the past decade, Tom assisted in the release over 500 wild-caught white seabass implanted with electronic tags.
Tom invested his heart and soul into PIER and saw it grow to be an incredible resource that works collaboratively with state, federal and international fishery managers.
Moving forward, PIER will continue to support Tom’s vision through scientific research, education and collaboration.
From fisheries development and tagging research to basic biology, PIER will move forward and continue with the important work Tom Pfleger started.
Tom Pfleger surgically implanting an electronic tag prior to the release of another adult white seabass.