NE Regional Cod Tagging Program - Standardized tagging technique

Standardized tagging technique

This program covers a large study area, and involves many individuals from both the scientific and fishery communities.

With such high numbers of individuals involved in this program, standard protocols are crucial to ensure consistency. GMRI has developed standard protocols based on the experience of program partners and other experienced tagging programs. The protocols include the following elements:

•	Tags: yellow (regular) and blue (high-reward) T-bar anchor tags;
•	Tagging technique: all fishermen and scientists follow a standard tagging protocol;
•	Data sheets: the same data sheets are used throughout the program;
•	Database: all the data is entered into a single database, using a state-of-the-art online database which has been tailor-made for this program.

Tagging equipment:

The program uses T-bar anchor tags, manufactured by Hallprint Pty. This simple tag is easily inserted into the cod, close to the dorsal fin.

The T-bar “anchors” between the bones which run up into the first dorsal fin. Each tag is printed with a unique number, the name of the program, our toll-free number and our web site address.

Tags are inserted using an Avery Dennison tag fastening gun (model # 08958).

This tagging technique has been used on a variety of fish species as it is a cost-effective and efficient means of tagging large numbers of fish.

A considerable proportion of tagged cod are double-tagged; this was 10% of all cod released between March 2003 and September 2004. Since October 2004 the Program double-tags 100% of its tagged releases. This technique allows us to monitor for tag-loss.

Hallprint T-bar anchor tag

A cod tagged close to the dorsal fin