Evaluation of Tag Attachments on Small Cetaceans
Abstract
The long-term goal of this research is to produce a safe and reliable, single-pin satellite-linked tagging system for deployment on small cetaceans over periods of months, with minimal risk of harm to the animals. The specific objectives of this study were as follows: (1) refine specific hypotheses for laboratory tests of tags and attachments, through review and assessment of previous single-pin tag deployments for which post-deployment observations are available (n=179 tags, through 15 Dec 2011); (2) evaluate the hydrodynamics of currently available satellite-linked tags and attachments; (3) determine the effectiveness of changes to tags and attachments through hydrodynamic modeling; and (4) perform, under controlled circumstances, field tests of new tag designs resulting from laboratory studies conducted as part of this project, including the deployment of (n=10, 3 real and 7 dummy) satellite-linked TDR tags with single-pin attachments for comparison with untagged control dolphins during bottlenose dolphin health assessments of residents in Sarasota Bay, Florida. Objective 4 also included monitoring and photographing the conditions of tags and dolphins (i.e., compare dolphin swimming, respiration, ranging, and social data with previous data for that individual and controls; document the condition of fin relative to pin migration or pressure necrosis; document the position of tag on the fin, and relate it to changes in transmission characteristics (surface time, data message length, and signal quality); document changes in the condition of tags and animals with formation of biogrowth; recapture tagged dolphins (and control dolphins) after about 6-8 weeks to remove tags, closely examine fins, and perform health assessments for comparison with data from initial deployment; and test corrosible attachment pin configurations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 30, 2013
- Accession Number
- ADA599822
Entities
People
- Randall S Wells
Organizations
- Mote Marine Laboratory