What are archival tags? Archival tags are electronic data-logging devices that provide location estimates by measuring light intensity through a light sensor. They also provide data on swimming depth, water temperature, and body temperature of the fish. This information is collected on a daily basis and stored in the tag for several years. The data is vital to your interests in this NC fishery.
How do you determine that a bluefin tuna has an archival tag? Archival tags are implanted in the body cavity of the tuna and only the light sensor protrudes out of the body. However, these specially equipped bluefin tuna also carry unique external conventional streamer tags, with two-tone coloration, to help fisherman recognize these fish and return the archival tags. The external tags are placed about an inch off the dorsal midline on each side of the fish. On the white portion of the streamer tag it says "electronic tag inside cavity" and on the green side it says "Big $$$ reward".
PROCEDURE FOR GETTING YOUR REWARD:
1. Report all archival tagged bluefin tuna to YOUR LOCAL FISHERIES AGENCY, or in the West Atlantic call the toll free number 1-800-437-3936 1. Additional instructions will be provided regarding where and how the tags should be mailed. Inquires about an archival tagged fish can also be made to Dr. Barbara Block of Tag A Giant (TAG) at 831 594 2071 or bblock@stanford.edu
2. If POSSIBLE DO NOT DRESS THE FISH OR ATTEMPT TO REMOVE THE ARCHIVAL TAG BY PULLING ON THE LIGHT SENSOR. Set the fish aside and call the scientists above. Federal Law permits taking a second commercial fish if an archival tagged fish is on the deck and you have called it in. If you are selling this fish, please be sure to contact the scientists on how to remove the tag. To remove the archival tag, make a carefully placed 6 inch incision in the belly cavity, in front of the area where the sensor enters into the fish. Remove the silver or yellow archival tag (with light sensor attached) by hand. Wash the tag with water and keep it at room temperature. Streamer tags can be cut off the fish and the portion of the tag with writing or information should be kept. In addition to saving both the archival and streamer tags, data on location and date of recapture, fishing gear used, length, weight of fish, and your name and address are also important. Data showing residency to NC is extraordinarily important and there is a double reward & a plane trip to Monterey for the first ever recaptured in NC waters.
