Evaluation of four methods of transmitter attachment on shortnose sturgeon, Acipenser brevirostrum

Collins, Mark R.; Cooke, Douglas; Smith, Theodore I. J.; Post, William; Russ, Daniel C.; Walling, D. C.

doi:10.1046/j.1439-0426.2002.00386.x

Cited by 25 publications

(20 citation statements)

References 11 publications

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“…salmon, except when spawning), and rolling behaviour was not observed in either case. Similar observations on shortnose sturgeon (Collins et al, 2002) have shown that these animals 'occasionally' scrape the substrate, causing eventual tag loss. Other research using similar tags and attachment methods (Broell and Taggart, 2015) on saithe (P. virens) did not show a similar behavioural reaction to tag load, but these animals are pelagic species and did not exhibit scouring as observed in cod.…”

Section: Validity Of Data In the Fieldsupporting

confidence: 57%

“…While direct observations of tag loss and associated swimming behaviour are limited, shortnose sturgeon (Acipenser brevirostrum), rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and salema (Sarpa salpa) fitted with transmitters attached below the dorsal fin have been observed to scour vigorously against tank enclosures, leading to external tag loss and skin abrasions (Mellas and Haynes, 1985;Collins et al, 2002;Jadot, 2003). This distinctive and repeated scouringassociated rotational movement (flashing, scraping) in the vertical-lateral plane has also been observed in Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) in order to dislodge parasites (Jeffrey Hutchings, Department of Biology, Dalhousie University, personal communication).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Measuring abnormal rotational movements in free-swimming fish with accelerometers: implications for quantifying tag- and parasite-load

Broell

Burnell

Taggart

2016

Journal of Experimental Biology

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Animal-borne data loggers allow movement, associated behaviours and energy expenditure in fish to be quantified without direct observations. As with any tagging, tags that are attached externally may adversely affect fish behaviour, swimming efficiency and survival. We report on free-swimming wild Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) held in a large mesocosm that exhibited distinctly aberrant rotational swimming (scouring) when externally tagged with accelerometer data loggers. To quantify the phenomenon, the cod were tagged with two sizes of loggers (18 and 6 g; <2% body mass) that measured tri-axial acceleration at 50 Hz. An automated algorithm, based on body angular rotation, was designed to extract the scouring movements from the acceleration signal (98% accuracy). The algorithm also identified the frequency pattern and associated energy expenditure of scouring in relation to tag load (% body weight). The average per cent time spent scouring (5%) was independent of tag load. The vector of the dynamic body acceleration (VeDBA), used as a proxy for energy expenditure, increased with tag load (r 2 =0.51), and suggests that fish with large tags spent more energy when scouring than fish with small tags. The information allowed us to determine potential detrimental effects of an external tag on fish behaviour and how these effects may be mitigated by tag size. The algorithm can potentially identify similar rotational movements associated with spawning, courtship, feeding and parasite-load shedding in the wild. The results infer a more careful interpretation of data derived from external tags and the careful consideration of tag type, drag, buoyancy and placement, as well as animal buoyancy and species.

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Section: Validity Of Data In the Fieldsupporting

confidence: 57%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Measuring abnormal rotational movements in free-swimming fish with accelerometers: implications for quantifying tag- and parasite-load

Broell

Burnell

Taggart

2016

Journal of Experimental Biology

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“…Collins et al [29] used external radio tagging on shortnose (Acipenser brevirostrum) and Atlantic (A. oxyrinchus) sturgeons in a field study and found poor retention for both species. In a subsequent tank experiment, only one of 12 individuals retained the tag after 40 days [30]. They judged external tagging unsuitable for these species.…”

Section: Example Taxon Referencementioning

confidence: 99%

The use of external electronic tags on fish: an evaluation of tag retention and tagging effects

et al. 2015

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External tagging of fish with electronic tags has been used for decades for a wide range of marine and freshwater species. In the early years of fish telemetry research, it was the most commonly used attachment method, but later internal implants became preferred. Recently, the number of telemetry studies using external tagging has increased, especially with the development of archival tags (data storage tags, DSTs), pop-up satellite archival tags (PSATs) and other environment-sensing tags. Scientific evaluations of the tagging method are rather scarce for most species. We identified 89 publications, reporting effects of external tagging for 80 different fish species, which constitute the main basis for this review. External attachment holds certain benefits compared to other tagging methods, for example, speed of application, and it may be the only option for fishes with a body shape unsuitable for surgical implantation, or when using tags with sensors recording the external environment. The most commonly reported problems with external tags are tissue damage, premature tag loss, and decreased swimming capacity, but the effects are highly context dependent and species specific. Reduced growth and survival have also been recorded, but direct mortality caused by external tagging seems rare. Most of the studies reviewed evaluate tag retention, survival, and tissue reactions. There is a general need for more research on the effects of external tagging of fish with electronic tags, but particularly there are few studies on predation risk, social interactions, and studies distinguishing capture and handling effects from tagging effects. For PSATs, especially those that are large relative to fish size, there are particular problems with a high proportion of premature tag losses, reduced swimming capacity, and likely increased predation, but there remains a paucity of tag effect studies related to the use of PSATs. Before embarking on a field study employing external tagging with electronic tags, we recommend the use of appropriate pilot studies, controlled where possible, to quantify potential impacts of tagging.

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“…Additionally, this individual displayed movement associated with rolling behaviour during the first 10 h of deployment (time series of roll angle, not presented here). This may relate to tag-removal behaviour similar to the scouring movement in Atlantic cod [60] and has also been observed in shortnose sturgeon in response to tag load [61]. This too suggests a considerable impact of tagging, handling and tag-load (>2 %) stresses and questions the health status and long-term survival of the individual.…”

Section: Post-release Behaviourmentioning

confidence: 66%

“…Since these events occur most frequently just post-release, they most likely relate to tagging stress or tag-load-removing behaviour (e.g. [60,61]), and given the high VeDBA, they considerably affect the total energy budget. High VeDBA during tag-load-related movements, indicated by high roll angles in the smallest individual, likely contributed to additional energy expenditure.…”

Section: Post-release Behaviourmentioning

confidence: 99%

Post-tagging behaviour and habitat use in shortnose sturgeon measured with high-frequency accelerometer and PSATs

et al. 2016

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Background: External tagging of fish using pop-up satellite tags (PSATs) can cause trauma and stress associated with capture, handling, tagging injury and tag placement that impedes body function and mobility, and these can affect the behaviour of the fish. We measured short-term (days) post-release behavioural response of estuarine shortnose sturgeon to tagging with PSATs and high-frequency accelerometers. Methods:We developed a secure, low-noise attachment method for high-resolution (50 Hz) accelerometer PSATs in shortnose sturgeon. The archived time series of acceleration was used to determine sturgeon post-tagging activity, estimate swimming speed, erratic behaviour and behavioural clusters in relation to ambient light level and temperature, depth and tidal flow.Results: Short-term (hours) post-release response was characterized by resting periods on the river bottom and decreased swimming activity that was associated with individual-specific modulations in the swimming gait and high-energy burst acceleration movements. Locomotion routines suggested a relation to tidal flow, yet the shortterm time series did not allow for routine movements to be classified. Conclusions:The approach used provides a useful method of revealing behavioural modifications during the postrelease recovery period of PSAT-tagged fish. We discuss how short-term (acute) effects on behaviour and potential longer-term (chronic) effects on survival are especially relevant in tagging studies.

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Evaluation of four methods of transmitter attachment on shortnose sturgeon, Acipenser brevirostrum

Cited by 25 publications

References 11 publications

Measuring abnormal rotational movements in free-swimming fish with accelerometers: implications for quantifying tag- and parasite-load

Measuring abnormal rotational movements in free-swimming fish with accelerometers: implications for quantifying tag- and parasite-load

The use of external electronic tags on fish: an evaluation of tag retention and tagging effects

Post-tagging behaviour and habitat use in shortnose sturgeon measured with high-frequency accelerometer and PSATs

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