Effects of coded-wire-tagging on stream-dwelling Sea Lamprey larvae

North American Journal of Fisheries Management
By: , and 

Links

Abstract

The effects of coded wire tagging Sea Lamprey Petromyzon marinus larvae from a known-aged stream-dwelling population were assessed. Tagged larvae were significantly shorter on average than untagged larvae from 3 to 18 months after tagging. However, 30 months after tagging, the length distribution of tagged and untagged larvae did not differ and tagged Sea Lampreys were in better condition (i.e., higher condition factor) and more likely to have undergone metamorphosis than the untagged population. The reason why tagged larvae were more likely to metamorphose is not clear, but the increased likelihood of metamorphosis could have been a compensatory response to the period of slower growth after tagging. Slower growth after tagging was consistent across larval size-classes, so handling and displacement from quality habitat during the early part of the growing season was likely the cause rather than the tag burden. The tag effects observed in this study, if caused by displacement and handling, may be minimized in future studies if tagging is conducted during autumn after growth has concluded for the year.

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Effects of coded-wire-tagging on stream-dwelling Sea Lamprey larvae
Series title North American Journal of Fisheries Management
DOI 10.1080/02755947.2016.1185058
Volume 36
Issue 5
Year Published 2016
Language English
Publisher Taylor and Francis
Contributing office(s) Great Lakes Science Center
Description 9 p.
First page 1059
Last page 1067
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details