Have you ever caught a fish with some weird serial number written on it, and it made you wonder what that is? That could be a tagged fish that shouldn’t be caught. But why? Read this guide to learn more about it.
What is Fish Tagging?
Fish tagging is a common practice among researchers and scientists who study the whereabouts of different fish species, such as Trout, Haddock, Tuna, Bass, and even Sharks. It helps them understand their migration and reveals data regarding their habitat, lifespan, behavior, etc.
There are multiple ways to tag a fish depending on the program and the budget you’re going for. This includes SPOT tags, archival tags, PSATs, conventional tags, and radio tagging.
How Does Tagging Fish Work?
Different biologists, private researchers, and government officials collect data by hooking a tag to a fish and tracking its movement. If fishermen capture a tagged fish, they catch and release it while also informing the researchers where it was seen through its serial number.
This helps the researchers periodically update their data about fish populations and habitats. Marine biologists John R. Clark and Lionel Walford initially introduced the concept of fish tagging. In 1961, they established an organization to preserve marine life called “The American Littoral Society.”
Is it Legal to Tag Fish?
It is legal to tag a fish for research purposes on private property. Researchers and biologists can, however, tag fish on state property with government approval. Know that these practices ensure how species survive and their habitat, so any individual caught exploiting these guidelines will face strict consequences.
Types of Fish Tags
Many of us remember when ribbons and rings were attached to salmon. Thankfully, with advanced technology, this hassle has come to an end. Let’s discuss some methods specially designed to gather the most info about marine life.
Spaghetti or Conventional Tags
Conventional tags aren’t fancy tags. They are simple plastic tags that you attach to the fish. Once the tag is on, you register the ID code online and let the fish swim away. When the fish is recaptured, they report it, and that’s how you’ll know where your fish migrated.
These are cheap angling stocks, and anyone looking for volunteered data collection can buy them. However, these are solely dependent on the angler reporting the tag. If the angler catches the fish without reporting it, you’ll never know what happened to it. They are preferred for inshore and freshwater species.
Archival Tags
Archival tags are an advanced version of conventional tags. These tags can record water temperature, location, depth, and the rate at which the fish travels. Archival tags are not as expensive as other fish tags, but a major ongoing issue with them is that someone needs to report the data, just like conventional tagging.
PSATs
You can’t expect anglers worldwide to mail you about a largemouth bass or striped bass they caught, right? For big fish, the backup needs to be strong. Thus, Pop-up Satellite Archival Tags were specially designed for Shark, Marlin, Billfish, and Tuna tagging.
This device records data for a specific amount of time and then detaches from the fin to transmit it through a satellite. They cost thousands of dollars and can be retrieved easily. The best part of using PSATs is that the data doesn’t need to be reported manually.
SPOT Tags
“Smart Positioning or Temperature” tags are an efficient way to collect data every two to three minutes. They transmit data every time the fish comes to the surface. This is the cutting edge of tagging practice. They are most commonly used for Sharks, as they spend most of their time on the surface.
They are more useful for properly protecting marine life as the data updates faster than any other tagging method. SPOT tags are sustainable and work even after being damaged in some cases.
Radio Tags
If you don’t want a wound on your fish, this process is not for you. It requires tags to be surgically implanted in the fish. The fish is then released into the river to monitor its activity and survival chances. This is a lengthy and traditional process, as researchers wait on boats for weeks to capture the GPS location and data once the fish is near the area.
Once found, the radio beeps a “ping” sound and detects which fish has been noticed. This method was useful back in 2012 to protect habitat for fish and wildlife. Researchers used to conduct lab tests to study the seasonal feedings of the fish before introducing Florida bass to increase the population in some areas of Texas.
How To Tell If a Fish Is Tagged?
Identifying a tagged fish is easy. Regardless of their kind, the tags are bright with serial numbers on them. They are attached under the dorsal fins, which can be easily seen when caught.
Fish Tagging Programs
Do you want to work for an organization that collects data for research? If so, here are some options for getting a free certificate.
The Billfish Foundation
The Billfish Foundation supports fisheries biology and aquaculture and is the central hub for big game tagging. It is known for working with charter operators and tournaments and tagging Swordfish, Billfish, Spearfish, etc.
To join the organization, contact them to volunteer by donating or tagging your big fish with them.
IGFA
The International Game Fishing Association promotes tag-and-release fishing. It organizes fishing tournaments worldwide to collect data by engaging in safe tagging practices.
American Littoral Society
Since 1961, this organization has tagged countless fish, focusing on Bluefish, Summer Flounder, and Striped Bass. They encourage anglers to buy their fish tagging kit and enter the big game.
Gray FishTag Research
Gray FishTag research focuses on working with charter captains in the U.S. and worldwide. The mantra “bridging the gap between professional fishermen and science” allows them to promote tag-and-release.
Become a part of this program or donate to help save the marine life.
What Happens If You Catch a Tagged Fish?
If you catch a tagged fish, the first thing to do is take a picture of the tag and report it immediately. Avoid eating tagged fish, as they can be a useful means of gathering information.
Once reported, release the tagged fish from where you caught it and hunt for the next one.
