There are three types of tags How to tag large game fish he NSW DPI Game fish Tagging 1 Program of Australia is the largest Pelagic tag Pelagic species over 60 cm eg Tunas, 1 Once the angler brings the fish within range, the Tsaltwater tagging program of Mackerels, Wahoo, Mahi Mahi, Cobia fish should be traced and led alongside the boat so its kind in the world and has been in and Kingfish (70 cm) that it presents a broad tagging target. It is usually Game Fish operation since 1973. It is used to obtain best to keep the boat moving slowly forwards to enable better control of the fish. Tagging Program information on the biology (distribution, Steel head shark tag Sharks only movement, growth, exploitation) of 2 Once the fish is in position for tagging, the person handling the tag pole should take position behind the largest saltwater tagging program billfish, tunas, sharks and sport fish and the person tracing the fish to allow for a clear tag shot. of its kind in the world encourages game fishers to participate Billfish tag Marlin, Sailfish, Swordfish and Spearfish only 3 An attempt to apply the tag should only be made in the management of the fishery. if the fish is calm or subdued. The tag should be 2 BILLFISH TAG WITH MONOFILAMENT ATTACHMENT placed towards the middle of the fish, well above the lateral line towards the dorsal fin. How the program works 3 BILLFISH TAG WITH WIRE ATTACHMENT Tags are issued to anglers, and when an angler 4 For billfish and most sportfish, the fish should be catches, tags and releases a fish, the details of tagged with a firm, well-aimed stroke—simply the capture are recorded on a tag card with the How to make a tag pole place the tag against the fish’s flank and push. Do corresponding tag number. The card is returned to not stab. Sharks will require a firm jab in order to the NSW DPI in Sydney, Australia. When a tagged Attach the tag applicator to the end of a penetrate their tough skin. fish is recaptured, catch information is linked to broom handle or similar pole. For billfish Once the tag has been placed, remove the hook if the original tag and release, and compared to the and shark applicators, drill a small hole 5 possible (a de-hooker can facilitate this) or cut the recapture information. Details of the distance that in the end of the pole and secure the trace close to the fish’s mouth. the fish travelled and its growth are sent to the applicator in position using a strong 5 anglers who first tagged the fish and later recaptured epoxy based glue. Pelagic applicators are generally whipped to the end of 6 Revive any fish that appear to be exhausted or are it. A recapture certificate is also issued. the pole using nylon line and again struggling to remain upright in the water. A commonly used approach for billfish is to hold The tagging data is used by scientists to study secured with glue. For billfish ensure that approximately 75 mm* of the the fish firmly by its submerged bill whilst the boat the lives and habits of these highly mobile fish applicator needle is exposed to ensure moves forwards at 2 to 3 knots. This ensures a good species. The migratory habits of the tagged fish are that tags are inserted the correct depth flow of water over the fish’s gills. The fish should observed by measuring the distance and direction into the fish. If tagging juvenile billfish, a only be released when it shows strong signs of life travelled between tagging and recapture, and this rubber stopper can be placed down over and displays improved skin colour, which may take can be linked with environmental factors. Growth the tag needle to restrict the deth. For several minutes or more. Exercise caution, especially patterns are also monitored. The observations also sharks and other game fish, ensure that in rough weather. Alternatively, use a snooter. This is enable scientists to study the structure of fish stocks approximately 50 mm* of the applicator Pelagic Shark Billfish a safe and effective tool for reviving billfish. and assess whether there is any mixing between needle is exposed. Secure the tag to the populations that are geographically distant from pole with a rubber band or similar. Fill out the tag card immediately and return to 7 7 one another. This information is vital to improve the NSW DPI (or your fishing club recorder) as soon as understanding and management of valuable game * Game Fishing Association of Australia (GFAA) guidelines specify possible, otherwise tagging is of no value. remember and sport fish species. that the tag needle for the billfish only tag must not protrude more than 76 mm from the end of the tag pole or tag holding device, nor Successful tagging shall it exceed 8 mm in diameter. The tag needle used for sharks and is a other game fish must not protrude more than 50 mm from the end of the tag pole or tag holding device, nor shall it exceed 5 mm in diameter. team effort What to do Tips … Tips … Tips … Estimating the size of fish if you catch This may be done by estimating the a tagged fish 3 Elect one crew member as the person in 3 Load your tagging pole with a tag before you weight of the fish or by measuring charge of the tagging equipment, to ensure that: hook a fish to ensure that it is attached properly and is the fish when it is in, or alongside Recorded l the number of the tag in position on the tag readily available whenever you wish to tag a fish. the boat. If the fish is up to a Whenever you catch a fish, examine the dorsal area long distance pole matches that on the tag card metre in length it may be carefully of both sides of the fish to see if a tag is present. The Check the length of your billfish tag applicator. 75 mm (>500 3 nautical miles) brought on board and measured tags may only be just showing or may be obscured l details of the tagging are promptly recorded is the optimal length, this ensures that the tag is movements using a standard measuring tape. by marine growth if they have been in the fish for an on the card placed at the correct depth and reduces the risk of the of Striped extended period of time. Marlin. However, large fish should remain in the water. l the card is handed to the fishing club recorder or tag being shed by the fish. mailed to NSW DPI asap. If you estimate the size of the fish (especially fish weight), get If you catch a tagged billfish, shark or tuna or other Do not attempt to tag very active fish, especially if the pelagic species that is already tagged, carefully cut 7 a consensus from all the crew immediately after release, and Use non-offset circle hooks whenever possible when fish is jumping at the side of the boat. Poor tag off the old tag and re-tag the fish with a new tag. 3 using live or dead baits. These hooks minimise deep placement can injure fish or result in the tag being record immediately (first impressions are always best!). Record all recovery information on the new tag card. hooking, foul hooking and bleeding, and promote the shed. The recommended tagging area is shown below. For measuring length of fish in the water, it is best to rig up If you do not have any tags and the tag number can survival of tagged fish. It is better to release the fish without tagging, if All information on a simple tape measure. It helps if it is flexible, and at least 4 be safely recorded with the tag still in the fish, record 3 Keep your tag cards in an orderly bundle. This will help accurate tag placement is not possible. any recaptured metres long. Attach a tennis ball to the zero end and when a and re-release the fish with the current tag in place. fish is provided to fish is alongside, or being held at the back of the boat, float to ensure that tags do not become loose and fall out of the angler who Tags that look old may indicate that the fish has their corresponding tag card. originally tagged the tennis ball to the tail fork and get a measurement to been at large for a long time and these long-term the fish, and the fish’s snout, or to the tip of the lower jaw for billfish. For recaptures are particularly valuable. the angler who billfish, it’s important that the recorded measurement should recaptured it. Recommended tagging areas state where the fish was measured from and to (ie lower jaw Please ensure that you record the tag number, species, 11522_NOV2012. Printed on FSC certified stock.11522_NOV2012. Printed to tail fork length or total length—tip of bill to end of tail). date, location and GPS co-ordinates, estimated size (or actual size if landed) and condition of fish on release. How to tag small game/sportfish If you decide to take the fish, record all the capture details and report to the Program. Report the details to NSW DPI as soon as possible. Tag cards Marlin Smaller pelagic species Insert the tag directly below may be removed the dorsal fin with the barb from the water before facing down towards the tagging. This enables fish. It is important to tag for more information, improved accuracy under the second dorsal fin to report a recapture, Shark or to get involved of tagging and may (if the fish has one, e.g. Tuna, Mackerel, Kingfish, Cobia, etc.). with the program: simplify hook removal. Non-offset circle Pelagic tags should be inserted so the head of the tag is hooks—recommended visit www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries Try to prevent the fish damaging itself on hard, hot, or located between the spines that radiate off the dorsal fin. dry surfaces. A wet foam mat or similar is ideal (or a wet This is to ensure that the tag locks securely under one of the phone +61 2 9527 8411 Tuna or email [email protected] towel will suffice) for on-boat tagging. Where possible, try bones (gently pull on the tag to confirm this). This provides to place the tag at an angle of at least 45° to reduce water the most secure tag location. friction on the tag. Check out the website or the Tag Times Newsletter for Please refer to the recommended tagging areas information interesting recaptures and developments on the Program. Removing hook from a Striped Marlin Mahi Mahi for the correct locations.