342 
Fishery Bulletin 107(3) 
The nondestructive and less invasive procedures 
associated with sampling surface mucous offers many 
advantages when compared to fin clip and muscle 
tissue collection, particularly when very large fishes 
destined for live release are involved. Although the 
collection of surface mucous with sponges was ad- 
equate for the present study, commercially available 
products such as FTA® cards (Whatman Inc., Florham 
Park, NJ) may offer advantages. For example, Livia et 
al. (2006) reported that FTA® cards were a fast and 
reliable method of collecting, storing, and extracting 
genomic DNA from E. lucius and S. trutta fario. FTA® 
cards can be stored dry at room temperature, thus 
eliminating the need for laboratory freezers or special 
shipping considerations. We tested FTA® cards on a 
limited number of I. platypterus and T. albidus surface 
mucous samples (data not shown). Preliminary results 
were successful for PCR amplification, and further 
analyses are planned. 
We report the first use of surface mucous from ma- 
rine fishes as an alternative method of DNA sampling. 
As such, the method offers advantages that warrant 
consideration when planning genetic studies on other 
marine species, particularly those where live-release 
is desirable. 
Acknowledgments 
This study was supported by National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration grants to E. D. Prince and 
M. S. Shivji. Appreciation is extended to the captains 
and crew members who assisted in the field sampling. 
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