Coded Wire Tag and Passive Integrated Transponder Tag Implantations in Juvenile Burbot

Abstract

AbstractRegional stakeholders in various nations are investigating the restoration of imperiled and extirpated Burbot Lota lota populations via the stocking of hatchery‐produced fish. Although stocking programs routinely tag fish for monitoring and evaluation projects, there is currently only limited information available regarding effective tagging techniques for use with juvenile Burbot. We identified two anatomical locations (dorsal muscle and peritoneum) that were suitable for PIT tag implantation and six body sites (snout, periocular region, nape, pectoral fin base, dorsal fin base, and ventral [anal fin base]) that were suitable for coded wire tag batch marking of age‐0 Burbot (88–144 mm TL). Our evaluation of these implantation methods generally revealed a high rate of tag retention (>95%) and no significant tagging effects on fish survival or growth. A follow‐up study also demonstrated satisfactory mass‐marking rates for both tag types. Coded wire tags and PIT tags should provide harmless, affordable, long‐term identification of hatchery Burbot juveniles.Received August 27, 2013; accepted December 27, 2013