The veterinarian’s role in surgical implantation of electronic tags in fish

Abstract

The current role of veterinarians participating in the intracoelomic surgical implantation of electronic tags in fisheries research projects with researchers is limited, but could be expanded. Veterinary training is broadly applicable to conducting surgeries on any species, and there are increasing numbers of veterinarians with fish-specific experience. A few of the roles veterinarians can play include advising on surgical instrument selection and acquisition, interfacing with Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees, devising strategies for anesthesia, providing direction on disinfection and sterilization, complying with regulatory requirements, providing individualized surgery instruction, and occasionally performing field surgeries. Veterinarians and fish researchers bring different strengths and deficits to bear in a fish surgery project, and it is helpful to recognize these for successful collaborations. Engaging veterinary consultation for electronic tag implantation surgeries in fish can be a mutually beneficial experience for the researcher and the veterinarian, with dividends in data quality and welfare of the research subjects.

An introduction to the practical and ethical perspectives on the need to advance and standardize the intracoelomic surgical implantation of electronic tags in fish

“…Failure to do so (see Table 2) has the potential to have a number of negative consequences including reductions in funding for electronic tagging studies, loss of public, scientific and legal credibility, introduction of bias, and animal welfare impairments. We believe that this compilation is the first step to doing so and there are a number of strategies including greater incorporation of veterinary skill (Harms and Lewbart 2011), training (Cooke et al 2011a) and more transparent and complete reporting of methods (Thiem et al 2011) that should have immediate benefit. What is also clear is that continued research is needed to further elevate the practice of electronic tag implantation in fish in order to ensure that the data generated are relevant to untagged conspecifics (i.e., no longterm behavioral or physiological consequences) and the surgical procedure does not impair the health and welfare status of the tagged fish.…”

“…Also included in this special issue is a paper by Harms and Lewbart (2011), two veterinarians with extensive experience in intracoelomic surgeries on fish. Given their background, they were able to offer a unique perspective on the potential role of vets in the surgical implantation of electronic tags in fish.…”

“…References bolded represent the papers in the special issue that address the different phases of the tagging process. This table assumes that it has already been decided that some form of electronic tag technology is the best means of addressing the study objective(s) and that intracoelomic implantation has been chosen as the means of tagging down some of the barriers that appear to limit interactions with veterinarians, Harms and Lewbart (2011) suggest that it is useful to recognize the relative strengths and deficits of the two groups to enable successful collaborations. In assembling this special issue it was important to the editorial team to include a veterinary perspective given that engaging veterinary consultation for electronic tag implantation surgeries in fish can be a mutually beneficial experience for the researcher and the veterinarian, with dividends in data quality and welfare of the research subjects.…”

“…Components of the intracoelomic electronic tagging process that are addressed in this issue organized in approximate order of completionComponent Relevant Papers From Special Issue (Bolded) and Elsewhere Review literature to obtain information on best practices and lessons learned from studies on conspecifics or closely related taxa (where available) Bridger and Booth 2003; Jepsen et al 2002; Mulcahy 2003; All papers in special issue; See Cooke et al 2011b for review; Loher and Rensmeyer 2011 Consult veterinarians and others with relevant experience/knowledge Harms and Lewbart 2011; Thiem et al 2011Develop tagging SOP that uses standardized techniques to the extent possible Train staff and provide opportunities to practice surgery on live fish similar to those that will be used for formal study Clean tools, electronic tag and surgical suite in preparation for surgeryMulcahy 2003;Harms and Lewbart 2000;Chomyshyn et al 2011;Harms and Lewbart 2011;Mulcahy 2011 Anesthesia and surgeryAnesthetize fish and transfer to surgery suiteRoss and Ross 2008;Carter et al 2011 Minimize handling to reduce stress and injuryPortz et al 2006;Harmon 2009;Oldenburg et al 2011 …”

Tagging Fish in the Field: Ethical and Procedural Considerations. A Comment to the Recent Paper of D. Mulcahy; Legal, Ethical and Procedural Bases for the Use of Aseptic Techniques to Implant Electronic Devices, (Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management 4:211–219)

“…There is certainly a need for more reasoned interaction between veterinary professionals and field biologists to advance surgical procedures and training, as called for by Harms and Lewbart (2011). We recognize the important role of veterinary professionals in fisheries research, but there is a need for recognition that the standard veterinary principles with respect to surgery were not designed for fish nor to occur outside of an operating room.…”