Returning tagged fish and shellfish
We regularly tag fish in experiments to record fish
behaviour, growth and fishing catch rates.
Most of the commercial species have been subject to tagging on
all major fishing grounds so there is always the chance of finding
a tagged fish wherever you're fishing.
Mark and
recapture experiments use conventional "marker" tags (i.e., not
data-storage or electronic tags). They can provide valuable
insights into fish migrations and stock structure, which have
important implications for fishery management. They can also
provide useful information on growth and, in some circumstances,
exploitation rates.
Electronic data storage tags (DSTs) allow
scientists to continuously record the behaviour of individual
fish between the points of release and recapture. This information
helps us to interpret how fish live and respond to their
environment.
The recovery of our tagged fish and the success of our tagging
campaigns rely on the collaboration of the fishing industry and
recreational anglers.
For more information about returning tagged species, visit one
of the following pages:
It is very important to record the full recapture details,
including:
- the tag number and colour
- the date the tag/fish was caught
- where the tag/fish was caught (if possible latitude and
longitude)
- the sex, length and weight of the fish/shellfish.