PNNL

Abstract

Background: A new technology for a self-powered acoustic tag (SPT) was developed for active tracking of juvenile fish, intended to avoid the typical battery life constraints associated with active telemetry technology. We performed a laboratory-based study to evaluate a new tagging technique for the SPT and effects of the tag on survival, tag retention, and growth in juvenile white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus). Results: White sturgeon implanted with the SPT (n = 30) had 93% survival and tag retention by day 28, 67% by day 101, and 38% by day 595 post-tagging. At 28-days post-tagging they also had lower specific growth rates (SGR) for fork length (FL) and weight compared to sturgeon implanted only with a passive integrated transponder tag (n = 27). However, tag effects to SGR had dissipated by day 101 post-tagging. Conclusion: The location of the SPT in the flank maximized battery output; however, retention rates of the SPT were not ideal. We provided suggestions to improve the tagging technique. Suggestions include tagging fish that are > 400 mm FL, moving the incision location to create a cavity on either side of the incision, and performing a quantitative wound healing evaluation. Future studies are therefore recommended to evaluate these suggestions.