Tom’s Update: May 2026

The PIER team recently published research focused on testing artificial baits in tuna fishing operations.  The study was funded by the NOAA Bycatch Reduction and Engineering Program and worked with a very talented fishermen, and good friend, on Hawaii’s Big Island (Kenton Geer on the F/V Vicious Cycle).  If you have time for some light reading please find details about the study here. Thanks to Kenton and his crew for all the hard work! The study was performed on the Cross Sea Mount – A very unique and awesome place to fish!

Captain Kenton aboard the FV Vicious Cycle and a bigeye tuna caught on the Mountain.

In other News, PIER is gearing up to initiate its Mexico sand bass tagging work. The tagging study is aimed at better understanding sand bass transboundary movements and helping improve our ability to manage this valuable coastal resource.  Summer is almost here, it’s time to go fishing!

Recent News from NOAA– PIER’s exempted fishing permits should be issued soon.  Looks like everything is moving in the right direction! Thanks for all of the hard work!