Gamefish tagging program
Game Fish Tagging Program Summary 1973-2005
A download-friendly version of the NSW DPI GFTP Summary 1973-2005 is available here. For the full version, with additional maps and images, please contact call the Fisheries Information Line on 02 9527 4911.
NSW DPI Gamefish tagging program
The NSW DPI Game fish Tagging Program of Australia is the largest saltwater tagging program of its kind in the world and has been in operation since 1973. It is used to obtain information on the biology (distribution, movement, growth, exploitation) of billfish, tunas, sharks and sport fish and encourages game fishers to participate in the management of the fishery.
Since the program commenced over 300,000 tag cards have been returned and over 6000 fish recaptured. Of the 60 species recognised by the Game Fishing Association of Australia (GFAA) it has been found that 10 species of fish tagged by the NSW DPI game fish tagging program account for 70% of all fish tagged.
These species include:
- Black marlin
- Yellowfin tuna
- Yellowtail kingfish
- Sailfish
- Dolphinfish (Mahi Mahi)
- Mackerel tuna
- Striped marlin
- Striped tuna
- Albacore
- Bonito
How the program works
Tags are issued to anglers and when an angler catches, tags and releases a fish, the details of the capture are recorded on a tag card with the corresponding tag number. The card is returned to the NSW DPI in Sydney, Australia. When a tagged fish is recaptured, catch information is linked to the original tag and release and compared to the recapture information. Details of the distance that the fish travelled and its growth are sent to the anglers who first tagged the fish and later recaptured it. A recapture certificate is also issued.
The tagging data is used by scientists to study the lives and habits of these highly mobile fish species. The migratory habits of the tagged fish are observed by measuring the distance and direction travelled between tagging and recapture, and this can be linked with environmental factors. Growth patterns are also monitored. The observations also enable scientists to study the structure of fish stocks and assess whether there is any mixing between populations that are geographically distant from one another. This information is vital to improve the understanding and management of valuable game and sport fish species.
Below is just an example of some significant recaptures reported to the program during the 2007-2008 season. These recaptures show some of the larger and more interesting movements of some of the game fish species recommended for tagging on the program.
There are three types of tags:
How to make a tag pole
Attach the tag applicator to the end of a broom handle or similar pole. For billfish and shark applicators, drill a small hole in the end of the pole and secure the applicator in position using a strong epoxy based glue. Large and small pelagic applicators, are generally whipped to the end of the pole using nylon line and again secured with glue. For billfish ensure that approximately 75mm* of the applicator needle is exposed to ensure that tags are inserted the correct depth into the fish. For sharks and other game fish, ensure that approximately 50mm* of the applicator needle is exposed. Secure the tag to the pole with a rubber band or similar.
* Game Fishing Association of Australia (GFAA) guidelines specify that the tag needle for the billfish only tag must not protrude more than 76mm from the end of the tag pole or tag holding device, nor shall it exceed 8mm in diameter. The tag needle used for sharks and other game fish must not protrude more than 50mm from the end of the tag pole or tag holding device, nor shall it exceed 5mm in diameter.
How to tag large game fish
Once the angler brings the fish within range, the fish should be traced and led alongside the boat so that it presents a broad tagging target. It is usually best to keep the boat moving slowly forwards to enable better control of the fish.
Once the fish is in position for tagging, the person handling the tag pole should take position behind the person tracing the fish to allow for a clear tag shot.
An attempt to apply the tag should only be made if the fish is calm or subdued. The tag should be placed towards the middle of the fish, well above the lateral line towards the dorsal fin.
For billfish and most sportfish, the fish should be tagged with a firm, well-aimed stroke—simply place the tag against the fish’s flank and push. Do not stab. Sharks will require a firm jab in order to penetrate their tough skin.
Once the tag has been placed, remove the hook if possible (a de-hooker can facilitate this) or cut the trace close to the fish’s mouth.
Revive any fish that appear to be exhausted or are struggling to remain upright in the water.
A commonly used approach for billfish is to hold the fish firmly by its submerged bill whilst the boat moves forwards at 2 to 3 knots. This ensures a good flow of water over the fish’s gills. The fish should only be released when it shows strong signs of life and displays improved skin colour, which may take several minutes or more. Exercise caution, especially in rough weather. Alternatively, use a snooter. This is a safe and effective tool for reviving billfish.
Fill out the tag card immediately and return to NSW DPI (or your fishing club recorder) as soon as possible, otherwise tagging is of no value.
Remember – successful tagging is a team effort.
What to do if you catch a tagged fish
Whenever you catch a fish, examine the dorsal area of both sides of the fish to see if a tag is present. The tags may only be just showing or may be obscured by marine growth if they have been in the fish for a long time.
If you catch a billfish, shark or tuna that is already tagged, carefully cut off the old tag and re-tag the fish with a new tag. Tags that look old may indicate that the fish have been at large for a long time and these long-term recaptures are particularly valuable.
Record all recovery information on the new tag card, if you don’t have a new tag, you may release the fish again with the same tag. Please ensure that you record the tag number, species, date, location and GPS co-ordinates, estimated size (or actual size if landed) and condition of fish on release. If you decide to take the fish, record the capture details on the attached tear-off slip.
Report the details as soon as possible!
To report a recapture of a tagged fish:
Please contact (02) 9527 8411or international +61 2 9527 8411
OR
Tips
- Elect one crew member as the person in charge of the tagging equipment, to ensure that:
- the number of the tag in position on the tag pole matches that on the tag card
- details of the tagging are promptly recorded on the card
- the card is handed to the fishing club recorder or mailed to NSW DPI asap
- Use non-offset circle hooks whenever possible when using live or dead baits. These hooks minimise deep hooking, foul hooking and bleeding and promote the survival of tagged fish.
- Keep your tag cards in an orderly bundle. This will help to ensure that tags do not become loose and fall out of their corresponding tag card
- Load your tagging pole with a tag before you hook a fish to ensure that it is attached properly and is readily available wheneveryou wish to tag a fish.
- Check the length of your billfish tag applicator 75mm is the optimal length—this ensures that the tag is placed at the correct depth and reduces the risk of the tag being shed by the fish.
- Do not attempt to tag very active fish, especially if the fish is jumping at the side of the boat. Poor tag placement can injure fish or result in the tag being shed. The recommended tagging area is shown below. It is better to release the fish without tagging, if accurate tag placement is not possible.
Recommended tagging areas
How to tag small game/sport fish
Smaller pelagic species may be removed from the water before tagging. This enables improved accuracy of tagging and may simplify hook removal. Try to prevent the fish damaging itself on hard, hot, or dry surfaces. A wet foam mat or similar is ideal (or a wet towel will suffice) for on-boat tagging. Where possible, try to place the tag at an angle of at least 45° to reduce water friction on the tag.
Estimating the size of fish
This may be done by estimating the weight of the fish or by measuring the fish when it is in, or alongside the boat. If the fish is up to a metre in length it may be carefully brought on board and measured using a standard measuring tape. However, large fish should remain in the water.
If you estimate the size of the fish (especially fish weight), get a consensus from all the crew immediately after release, and record immediately (first impressions are always best!).
For measuring length of fish in the water, it is best to rig up a simple tape measure. It helps if it is flexible, and at least 4 metres long. Attach a tennis ball to the zero end and when a fish is alongside, or being held at the back of the boat, float the tennis ball to the tail fork and get a measurement to the fish’s snout, or to the tip of the lower jaw for billfish. For billfish, it is important that the recorded measurement should state where the fish was measured from and to (ie lower jaw to tail fork length or total length - tip of bill to end of tail).
Game fish Tagging Articles
- Another case of a bigeye 'yellowfin'
564.2 kb - Aussie marlin travels to India 769.0 kb
- Blue marlin recapture rewrites record books 468.6 kb
- Kingfish trans-Tasman traveller 522.0 kb
- Tagging update - black marlin recaptures 547.1 kb
- Tagging update - focus on tuna 299.0 kb
- Tagging update - significant recaptures 353.8 kb
Contact the program
If you would like to contact the game fish tagging program either to obtain further information on the program, tags, or to report a recapture directly, please call +61 (0)2 9527 8411 or email gamefish.tagging@industry.nsw.gov.au.