22nd Annual Student Research Conference
Evaluation of Surgery Procedures for Surgically Implanting Ultrasonic Telemetry Transmitters in Spotted Seatrout (Cynoscion nebulosus)
Benjamin T. Hale
Dr. Gregory Stunz (Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi) and Dr. Jonathan C. Gering, Faculty Mentors
Understanding the movement patterns of fishes is critical for sustainable fisheries management. Advances in acoustic technology have allowed researchers to use ultrasonic telemetry as a means to determine daily movement patterns and site fidelity of individuals. Currently, no information exists on the use of acoustic telemetry in spotted seatrout; therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate procedures for surgically implanting ultrasonic transmitters in spotted seatrout. Five juvenile spotted seatrout were collected and held overnight in a holding cage in Corpus Christi Bay, TX. The fish were surgically implanted with dummy transmitters (13 x 36mm, 11.15g) 12 hours after capture. After 48 hours, there was 100% mortality. The data suggests that the mortality was caused by the high tag to body weight ratio (mean = 6.14%). These results substantiate that transmitters that weigh more than 2% of the fish's total weight should not be implanted into spotted seatrout. Future studies with larger spotted seatrout (> 560 g) and suturing techniques will be conducted to determine effective surgery procedures.
Keywords: Fishery, Telemetry, Fishery Management, Spotted Seatrout
Topic(s):Biology
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 39-4
Location: VH 1408
Time: 2:00