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Home > Resources & Publications > Newsletters & Magazines > Chenier Ecology > 2008 > 10-08

Resources & Publications:  Chenier Ecology

October 2008

Once the transmitter was implanted and the incision stitched shut, the fish was placed in a holding tank with re-circulating water to recover. After 10 minutes, if the fish looked energetic it was released. This last group of fish brings the total number of acoustically implanted trout to more than 180. Survival is confirmed when a fish passes within 250 meters of one of the 55 acoustic receivers placed throughout the Calcasieu estuary. Survival rate of surgically implanted fish is good with more 80 percent of fish living for at least one month. Data will be collected for one more year.

On Wednesday, Oct. 15th, a special guest participated in the project. Robert Barham, Secretary of Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, caught a couple of fish, transported them to the tagging vessel and observed the entire implanting and tagging process.

In early September, Jody Callihan, PhD student at LSU in charge of the project, was confronted with a monumental task. With Hurricane Gustav threatening to destroy the receivers throughout the estuary, he along with LDWF personnel removed and safely stored all receivers, buoys and concrete anchors. With Hurricane Ike coming through the following week, the receivers were not re-deployed until the last week of September. It will be interesting to see what effect Ike’s huge storm surge has on these fish.

Boaters and fishermen are reminded not to tie off to or tamper with the yellow LSU research buoys. Also, anglers are asked to release any yellow dart tagged spotted seatrout. If the fish is not able to be released please return the transmitter so it can be used again. To report the capture of a tagged fish call 1-800-891-3977 and give the tag number and date and location of capture. Fishermen providing this information will receive a Louisiana Sport Fish Tagging Program hat and t-shirt, and will be entered in an annual drawing for GPS units and cash prizes up to $500.

Read more about the project at: www.seagrantfish.lsu.edu/pdfs/lagniappe/2007/05-01-2007.pdf or www.seagrantfish.lsu.edu/news/2007/fishtags.htm .

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