7606

• UCREFRP Catalog Number: 7606
• Author: Negus, M. T., D. A. Belford and S. E. Colvin.
• Title: Long-term Retention of Fluorescent Pigment Marking of Chinook Salmon.
• USFW Year: 1990.
• USFW - Doc Type: St. Paul, MN.
• Copyright Material: NO

and has been observed in Lake Superior chinook salmon
(D. Schliep, MN Dept. Nat. Res., personal communication
1990).
Fluorescent spray-marking is an alternative to fin-
clipping for mass marking chinook salmon fingerlings.
Marking and identification procedures are economical,
efficient, easy to learn, require relatively simple
equipment, do not require excessive handling or
anesthetization, and have low mark-related mortality
(Phiruley et ale 1967; Pribble 1976, Chart and Bergersen
1988). Spray-marking fish with fluorescent pigments was
first described by Jackson (1959). Pigment granules are
sprayed with sufficient force to penetrate the epidermis
and dermis (Phinney et ale 1967). Results on a variety of
speci~s have indicated excellent short-term mark retention
and low mortality in fish marked after scale formation
(Phinney et ale 1967; Engelhardt 1977; Bandow 1987).
Experiments with scaleless fish and fry have been less
successful (Hennick and Tyler 1970; White 1976; Moodie and
Salfert 1982). Experiments with chinook and coho salmon
(Oncorhynchus kisutch) fingerlings have yielded
satisfactory short-term (<1 year) mark retention and
survival (Phinney and Mathews 1969, Bandow 1987).
Long-term pigment retention (>l year) has not been
extensively studied and results have been variable.
Andrews (1972) reported 100% pigment retention in fathead
minnows after nearly 2 years. Similar results were

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