CCE Awarded Grant for New Monkfish Study

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County (CCE) has been awarded a research grant of $208,336 from NOAA Fisheries Service Cooperative Research Program to study genetic variations in monkfish, sometimes known as goosefish.

The research is aimed at studying monkfish stock from New Foundland to North Carolina to determine if monkfish constitute single or multiple stocks. Monkfish is an important economic presence in New England/Mid-Atlantic and in 2010 had a market value of nearly $19 million.

 For the first time, this project will evaluate the stock using sensitive DNA markers. The data will enhance knowledge of the monkfish resource and provide research which will guide overall management decisions. CCE is taking a collaborative approach to this comprehensive study. New York University and Rutgers University will also be participating in the research. And fishing industry participants and scientists coast-wide will assist with sample collection. CCE scientists will train all participants in the network on proper sample collection procedures.

 CCE does not receive direct monetary compensation for the study. Instead, there is an allocation of fish which, in cooperation with the fishing industry, is sold to finance the research. CCE’s Marine Program focuses on enhancing and maintaining the economic benefits from Long Island’s vast marine industry, protecting water quality, eelgrass and shellfish restoration, fisheries management, plus we provide public education about environmental consequences of storm water runoff, and we introduce our young people to marine sciences and marine life on Long Island.