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Evaluation of Batch Marking Small Rainbow Trout with Coded Wire Tags
Author(s) -
Munro Andrew R.,
McMahon Thomas E.,
Leathe Stephen A.,
Liknes George
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
north american journal of fisheries management
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.587
H-Index - 72
eISSN - 1548-8675
pISSN - 0275-5947
DOI - 10.1577/1548-8675(2003)023<0600:eobmsr>2.0.co;2
Subject(s) - rainbow trout , fish <actinopterygii> , snout , fishery , biology , dorsum , zoology , anatomy
We conducted a laboratory and field study to assess the feasibility and effects of tagging small (<80‐mm) rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss with coded wire tags in five body locations. In the laboratory, 8‐week retention rates ranged from 95.0% to 100% for coded wire tags implanted in the snout, nape, and base of the caudal, dorsal, and anal fins and from 97.0% to 100% among tagged fish in the following length‐classes: 40–49, 50–59, 60–69, and 70–79 mm. Tagged and untagged control fish had similar growth ( P > 0.2) and total mortality rates (8.4% versus 7.5%; P = 0.33). However, mortality was significantly higher among fish tagged in the nape (16.9%; P < 0.01) and those in the 40–49‐mm length‐class (16.1%; P < 0.01). In the field, 90% (126 of 140) of fish recaptured 5 months to 3 years after tagging retained the coded wire tag. Tag location was correctly identified in 100% of tagged fish. Batch marking with coded wire tags in different body locations appears to be an effective tagging method for small salmonids, although care must be exercised when tagging in the nape and at lengths less than 50 mm.