7737

• UCREFRP Catalog Number: 7737
• Author: Burdick, B. D. and R. L. Hamman.
• Title: A Study to Evaluate Several Tagging and Marking Systems for Colorado Squawfish, Razorback Sucker, and Bonytail.
• USFW Year: 1993.
• USFW - Doc Type: Grand Junction, CO.
• Copyright Material: NO

sucker, and bonytail in a controlled setting. Consequently, additional studies
were necessary to evaluate this identification system on sizes of fish not
formerly evaluated. This was necessary to determine if this tagging system could
be used in hatchery and field operations with propagated and wild stocks.
Because no single tag or mark is the suitable for all situations a number
of different tags and tagging systems may be required. Consequently, a variety
of tagging systems may be required in a recovery program. Before tagging and
marking systems can be implemented for hatchery and field operations, each system
must be evaluated for its suitability with a particular size and species of fish
along with other performance characters, e. g., retention, readability, tissue
healing, fish survival and growth over time, cost, and difficulty of application.
Goals and, Objectives
The goal of this study was to evaluate a variety of fish marking materials
and techniques for various sizes of Colorado squawfish, humpback chub, bonytail,
and razorback sucker.
The objectives of this study were to:
1. compare the performance of tagging techniques and systems to be
used to maintain identities of individual endangered fishes. The
following performance characters were compared for each tagging and
marking system tested:
a. survival (mortality)
b. growth
c. tag/mark verification (retention and readability), duration
and longevity
d. tissue response and biological compatibility to the tag/mark
e. convenience of application and recovery of information
3