VIMS

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.