Monday, September 26, 2005

Born FREE! Tagging our Silver Perch

Our Silver Perch is returning back to MPG Fish (Kariong) for the Central Coast Community Chest- Fishathon. 'Perchy' will be the top prize for the weekend! We were going to call him 'Parrot' because he hangs around perches??? No animals were harmed in this tagging exercise.

The data will assist us in developing a Management Plan for the Mount Panang Gardens and information on movement patterns, growth rates, and seasonal variations. As scientists or anglers, we need answers. Without them, we will never manage our fisheries successfully.

*** Photos to be published in local paper. We will scan and add to the Blog.

  • Use a water soaked cloth/cloth glove when handling the fish so it won't remove the fish's protective slime. Don't hold the fish by the gills or eyes.
    The less you handle the fish, the better the chances of the fish surviving.
  • Have tag applicator loaded and in a handy spot before you start.
  • Lay the fish on the right side to tag and measure.
  • Insert the tag as close to the dorsal fin as possible. Anchor the tag between the vertebrae and dorsal fin spines. The tag should be inserted so the streamer slants toward the tail of the fish. Tug lightly on the streamer to insure a snug fit.
  • Record all information on our data sheets provided (length, date, time, location, etc.) Also record any observations of the fish health or the general procedure.
    To release the fish gently place in water, supporting mid section and tail until it swims away. An exhausted fish can be resuscitated by gently moving it back and forth in the water, forcing water through its gills.
  • Periodically clean tagging and venting tools with alcohol or bleach.

http://isurus.mote.org/research/cfe/fish-bio/tagging.htm

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