Tagging Research - VIMS Fisheries Science
Fisheries scientists at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science tag a variety of animals, from crabs to sharks. The results of these research activities can reveal where animals go and how they use their habitat. Tagging can also help scientists estimate how many animals survive from one year to the next or survive interactions with fishing gear. Different tag types (e.g. dart, acoustic, satellite tags) are used for different research goals. Animals tagged by VIMS scientists include American shad, Atlantic sturgeon, blue crab, cobia, marlin, sea turtles, sharks, striped bass, and summer flounder. Various fish species are tagged under the Virginia Game Fish Tagging Program.
Why report tags?
- Reporting tagged animals is vital to fisheries research; it helps determine where study animals go and how long they live.
- Many tags have rewards associated with their return!
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Sea Turtle |
If you find or catch a tagged sea turtle (live or dead), please phone the stranding hotline (757-437-6159 or 866-493-1085 [toll free]) immediately.
If you catch a LIVE, healthy tagged sea turtle, please note the:
- tag number
- location
- time
- date of capture
Fish or Sharks
If you catch a tagged fish or shark, read the tag carefully.
Please:
- note the tag number
- record the location
- record the time and date of capture
- measure the length of the animal
Then call the phone number on the tag.
Follow the instructions on the tag. Example: release, or clip/save tag
