Publication Abstract

A field and experimental evaluation of the effect of data storage tags on the growth of cod (Gadus morhua Linné)

D. Righton, O.S. Kjesbu and J. Metcalfe

The effect of attaching electronic data storage tags (DSTs) on the growth of cod was evaluated in laboratory and field experiments. In the first laboratory experiment, Lotek 1200 DSTs attached externally for three months did not have any effect on the growth of adult cod (>55cm) relative to untagged adult cod. In a second experiment, Lotek 1110 DSTs implanted into young cod (~40 cm) for an eight-month period did not have any effect upon the growth relative to untagged control fish. Finally, length data returned from tagging experiments conducted on adult cod in the North Sea showed that the growth of both externally and internally tagged fish were not different to those expected of untagged wild cod. However, attachment wounds provided evidence that external attachment of DSTs should be avoided unless sensor configuration requires access to the external environment, and that internal implantation should be preferred whenever possible.

Reference:

D. Righton, O.S. Kjesbu and J. Metcalfe (2006) A field and experimental evaluation of the effect of data storage tags on the growth of cod (Gadus morhua Linné). Journal of Fish Biology, 68(2): 385-400