Louisiana has harnessed the power of numbers by encouraging the angling public to participate in a tagging program for vital species. These citizen scientists tag fish that they plan to release, and that helps scientists plan their management strategies.
The most popular species are red drum or redfish and spotted seatrout. Anglers tag the fish and record vital data such as length, date, location and condition of fish. When someone catches a tagged fish, they report the tag number and the same vital statistics for comparison.
It is very rewarding to catch a tagged fish and learn a snapshot of its travels. The fisherman who tagged it also gets a report on the recapture stats.
Volunteer taggers get a kit with data cards and matching tags and a tag applicator that is hand made at the Grand Isle lab. This applicator is used to insert the tag into the back of the fish. The goal is to have the barb of the dart interlock with the support bones below the dorsal fin. Tags are inserted at an angle and then checked for secure placement before release.
Anglers are taught that by taking care of the fish and minimizing its time out of water, they can maximize its survival and therefore the results of the tagging efforts. Use a rubber net or wet hands to land the fish to be released. Never grab a fish with a dry rag as it will remove too much of the protective slime from the fish, reducing its defense from disease and parasites. Redfish have heavier scales and need more pressure to insert tag than a trout. Don’t try to poke through a scale, but angle underneath them to reach the target spot. After inserting into the fish, turn the tag a quarter turn and check to see if it is secure. Work as swiftly as possible to help the fish survive the process. Preload the tag and be ready to reduce handling time.
