The user receives the tags with a box that wirelessly communicates with the tags, and a software for operating tags and data. With the software, the user selects the start date and time, and the sampling interval. The user can optionally select more than one interval, up to seven different sampling intervals. If more than one interval is defined, the user must also define the number of measurements taken within each interval. The sampling intervals will recycle until the memory is full or until data is retrieved. The multiple intervals setting can be very useful for having frequent measurements in a specific period of the fish, but then shift to a wider interval for memory efficiency increase. Before applying the tag to the fish, the tag's serial no. should be linked to the fish, and information on fish (release site, length, weight etc) be noted.
The tags can be attached both externally and internally to the fish. When using external attachment, the tag is fastened close to or in front of the dorsal fin by steel threading. The internal tagging is done by way of implantation into the body cavity. For more detailed treatment of fish and suggestions about tagging of fish the reader is referred to Fish.
Pic.1: Internal tagging of fish.
The tag will continue recording data until memory is filled or until connection is made for data retrieval. The data retain in the memory, and can be uploaded into a PC computer, even though the battery is dead. If sufficient battery is left in the tag, it can be reprogrammed and reused. With the recapture of tagged fish, it is useful to have information from the fisherman on where the fish was caught, size, length etc.
Upload of data: For collecting the data from the recaptured tag, the user is supplied with a supporting software, a PC cable and a communication box. The tag is inserted into the box and the data are wirelessly transferred to a PC by using the software (Windows). The data file (.dat) can be opened in other programs as well.
Customers define their own text to appear on the tags housings. Tagged fish is recaptured by fisheries so it is very important that the fishermen know where to return tags. Usually, there is a reward for the return of tags. The housing text should contain information about: The owner, address that the recaptured tags should be sent to, phone no., and reward for return of tag (if any). If there is space, you should also note on the label that the finder should write down the recapture site and length of the fish when recaptured. When using external tagging, the DST tag is easily spotted by the fisherman. For internal tagging, a special flexible plastic tube can be fastened to the DST tag for external identification of the internal location of the DST. These plastic tubes come in a variety of colors.
By using the DST, the researcher can measure parameters that would otherwise be impossible to document. The DST enables researchers to gather valuable information concerning the environment surrounding the animal with minimum disturbance to the animal. The tags have been used successfully to record environmental parameters, like temperature, pressure (depth), salinity and position (tilt) of the animal. The tag can be used for applied experiments such as:
- homing migrations
- distribution / abundance
- stock assessment
- vertical and horizontal movements
- feeding behaviour
In the table below are listed those equipment that the Icelandic researchers have used for internal tagging of cod. If you are not able to get these items in your home country, Star-Oddi can assist in getting them from our Icelandic suppliers.
| Product |
Manufacturer |
Notes |
| Needle holder |
Medicon/Mayo-Hegar |
Used to hold the needle while sewing |
Needle holder
|
Medicon/Mathieu |
Used to hold the needle while sewing |
Scissors
|
Medicon/Iris scissors |
To cut the suture |
Scalpel handles
|
Swann-Morton |
Handle for the scalpel blades |
| Scalpel blades |
Swann-Morton |
Scalpel blades, 100 pieces |
Surgical suture
|
Ethicon |
To fasten the tag, dissolves slowly, 12 pieces |
| Surgical suture |
Cyanamid/ Dexon II |
To close the cut, dissolves rapidly, 12 pieces
|
| Auromecin spray |
Cyanamid |
To sterilise the wound, 109 ml
|
| Sterilising media |
Superfos Biosector |
Sterilise the equipment under/after the tagging
|
| Trocars |
Kruuse |
To do hole through the dermis for the identical tube |
1 Medicon eG, P.O.Box 4455, D-78509 Tuttlingen, Germany. Tel. (0 74 62) 20 09-0 Fax. (0 74 62 ) 20 09 50
2 Swann Morton Ltd., Sheffield S6 2BJ, UK.
3 Ethicon, PO Box 408, Bankhead Avenue, Edinburg EH11 4HE, UK.
4 Cyanamid Medical Device Co., Inc., Anyang, Korea.
5 Cyanamid Ibérica, S.A., San Sebastian de los Reyes, 28080 Madrid, Spain.
6 Superfos Biosector a/s, Frydenlundsvej 30, 2950 Vedæk, Denmark. Tel. 45 42 89 31 11 Fax. 45 42 89 15 95 IDU-SCRUB: 45% isopropanol, 35% n-propanol.
7 Ridge Tool Co., Elyria, Ohio, USA
8Kruuse, Byvej 35, Marslev, Denmark. Tel. 65 951414, Fax. 65 951503, e-mail: kruusedk@inet.uni-c.dk
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