CONGRATULATIONS MOLLY 
Dr. Molly Lucavage named CONSERVATIONIST OF THE YEAR
by the Coastal Conservation Association of New Hampshire
March 31, 2007
Dr. Molly Lutcavage, an Associate Professor of Zoology, and Director of the Large Pelagics Research Center at the University of New Hampshire, is directing a cutting edge program on the study of bluefin tuna. This century has seen an alarming drop in the population of this species world wide, felt due to over harvesting; yet management of this species is uncertain due to the lack of knowledge of their migration patterns and habitat preferences. Molly has reached out to the charter and recreational fisherman, and provided a framework for these stakeholders to become involved and contributing researchers, in a project which will benefit the resource they utilize.
Molly's project was formulated at a Juvenile Bluefin Assessment Workshops, which she hosted at the Large Pelagic Research Center in March 2005. The program began with the surgical implantation of almost 100 juvenile bluefin tuna, with archival tags utilizing sophisticated mini computers in the summer of 2005. These computerized tags can record depth, internal temperature, determine geolocation by recording light levels, and record this data on an ongoing basis every few minutes. The fish were all caught on rod and reel, an had surgical implantations done on the same boat. They were released unharmed.
Molly did not stop there, however. She realized the importance of public support and education, and teamed up with area recreational fisherman to start a conventional tagging program. Through tagging education workshops, the plight of the bluefin, and importance of the knowledge to be gained was shared, and a large very visible segment of the New England seacoast population became "invested" in the research. Working closely with the Coastal Conservation Association of New Hampshire (CCA NH), a successful conventional tagging program, called "Tag a Tiny", began in the summer of 2006. It is now one of the high points in the season of the recreational saltwater anglers of the area, with interest growing steadily.
Support and outreach was achieved in no small part by a program called "tuna Mania", hosted by the CCA NH in January 2006, and of course having Molly as the center attraction. Molly presented eye catching photographs and film footage of the capture and tagging done up to that time, and presented the initial data of her research. Other guests included charter boat captains, who also captivated the audience with the excitement of catching these incredible fish. The program was sold out the first year, and an encore in January 2007, was sold out less then ten days after tickets went on sale. Molly was again captivating this group of sportsmen, education, and getting them invested to work with her to ensure the survival of bluefin tuna.
Molly's dedication and obvious love and respect for bluefin, has galvanized the New England Seacoast's recreational anglers into a conservation force to be reckoned with.
Text taken from the CCA-NH 9th Annual Banquet & Auction program.
