TAG A TINYtm
UNH Large Pelagics Research Lab expands “Tag a TinyTM” Program
The Large Pelagics Research Lab initiated its “Tag a TinyTM” program in the summer of 2005,
designed to study the annual migration paths and habitat use of juvenile bluefin tuna. In the first two seasons,
a total of 123 juvenile tuna (70-100 cm fork length) were been implanted with either Lotek or Wildlife Computer
implantable archival tags (
). These archival tags record
light levels to estimate daily geolocation, as well as depth, internal and ambient temperature every four
minutes for up to 3.6 years. In 2006, a complimentary conventional (
)
tagging program was implemented allowing increased participation by the recreational and charter fleets.
Implanted Archival Tagging The
tagging team conducts tagging trips off the eastern shore of Virginia between June and July. UNH Large Pelagics Research Lab researchers along with Virginia Institute of Marine Science and
Massachusetts Division of Marine fisheries researchers and other volunteers tag juvenile
bluefin tuna aboard Captain Jack Stallings' 49-foot F/V Grumpy. In early September, the Lab along with
other volunteers switch the tagging effort to the Gulf of Maine and the waters around Cape Cod . Tagging is done aboard the
F/V Cookie Too captained by Ed (Cookie) Murray, Jr., and crewed by Anthony Mendillo and Everett Petronio.
The juvenile bluefin are caught using rod and reel, and brought on the boat with a vinyl stretcher. A V-shaped cradle provided a platform for the surgery. The investigators made an incision in the dorsal musculature or the intraperitoneal cavity and inserted an archival tag into the fish. The incisions were stitched with mono-filament sutures, and the bluefin were then tagged with a streamer ID tag and released.
The tagged fish can be identified by a bright green “spaghetti tag” indicating the presence of an archival tag within the fish. Anglers are encouraged to retain the whole fish if caught and immediately contact Large Pelagics Research Center Director Dr. Molly Lutcavage (603-862-2891) or Program Manager Nuno Fragoso (603-862-2473). Fishermen are eligible for a $500 reward (see poster) once the fish is received and the tag returned . Want to know more? Keep an electronically tagged fish regardless of size, fishing category or bag limit!!!!! Read the Federal Regulation § 635.33 - Archival tags stating this fact.
Conventional ID Tagging The Center began a conventional ID tagging program in the
summer of 2006 to engage the local recreational and charter fishing communities. An introductory tagging workshop
allows novice and expert tuna fishers to exchange tips, methods and ideas before heading out on the water.
Participants are given Billfish Foundation "spaghetti" tags and corresponding LPRC data cards. Participants are eligible for
rewards through The Billfish Foundation. A total of 62 tuna were tagged during the inaugural season in 2006. Partial funding
for this tagging program is generously supported by the Coastal Conservation
Association of New Hampshire 
. Plans are in the works to expand the tagging program in 2007 with participants from Maine to
Virginia. If you're interested in participating please fill out the from below.
