Improving Attachments of Remotely-Deployed Dorsal Fin-Mounted Tags: Tissue Structure, Hydrodynamics, in Situ Performance, and Tagged-Animal Follow-Up
Abstract
We recently developed small satellite-linked telemetry tags that are anchored to the dorsal fin with small attachment darts. These tags have been remotely-deployed onto the dorsal fins of small- and medium-sized cetaceans, opening up the potential to monitor the movements of numerous species not previously accessible because they were too large or difficult to capture safely, but too small for tags that implant deeply within the body. Our main goal is to improve upon our existing tagging methodology to achieve longer, less variable attachment durations by carefully examining the factors that affect attachment success. We will strive to develop a method for attaching tags to cetaceans that provides the data needed to answer critical conservation and management questions without an adverse affect on the tagged animal. Therefore, we will also conduct follow-up studies of whales that have been tagged with a remotely-deployed dorsal fin-mounted tag to accurately quantify wound healing and the effects of tagging on whale survival, reproduction, and behavior. The combination of many approaches will provide an improved understanding of some of the key factors affecting tag attachment duration as well as a more complete understanding of impacts to individuals due to tagging.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 30, 2010
- Accession Number
- ADA538777
Entities
People
- Gregory S. Schorr
- Laurens E Howle
- M. B. Hanson
- Rajat Mittal
- Robin W Baird
- Russel D. Andrews
Organizations
- University of Alaska Fairbanks