In June 1995 biologists and marine science technicians from this office, in partnership with the Salmon Trollers Marketing Association, began monitoring nearshore reef fishes as part of our Nearshore Reef Fish Tagging Study (NRFTS). Over the past (almost) three years, tag returns and auxiliary studies have provided interesting information about tag retention, residentiality, maturity and growth rates of northern California rockfish, cabezon and lingcod. 

   By the end of  last year, 144 fish tagging trips had been completed, capturing 8,135 fish, of which 5,708 were successfully tagged and released. 143 fish, or approximately 2.5% of the fish tagged, have been recaptured.  

  For the first time, tag returns confirmed lingcod inshore-offshore spawning migrations, when two lingcod tagged inshore during the spawning/egg incubation period were recovered offshore during non-spawning months. (see Lingcod Declines for new lingcod size and bag limits). Also, preliminary cabezon tag recovery data indicate that this species returns to a “home site” after being displaced several miles. 

  One of the primary study objectives was to test the retention and recovery rates of  three types of tags: anchor tags, cheek  tags, and elastopolymer marks with CWTs (see Tag Retention Study at Steinhart Ends). Preliminary results indicate that conventional dorsal anchor tags provide the highest return rates, followed by cheek tags and elastomer marks, respectively.   

   We were somewhat disappointed with the low cheek tag recovery rate. Preliminary results from our tag retention study at Steinhart Aquarium also suggest that cheek tags have a lower retention rate than dorsal anchor tags, though the reason has yet to be determined. We expected that cheek tags would exhibit a lower infection rate than seen with anchor tags; however, our preliminary results indicate that any infections caused by anchor tags were not extensive. Use of elastopolymer  marks/CWT’s were discontinued during fall, 1996 due to low tag return rates. We now believe they are unsuitable for a public recapture-reward program.   

  Preliminary results from tagged fish returns also tell us a lot about percentages of sport and commercial catch by area, and by species.  In Mendocino County, both sport and commercial tag returns are primarily from near-port fishing grounds (within five nautical miles north or south of port).Commercial and sport fishing take were almost equal based on the number of tag returns. Comparatively large numbers of cabezon and gopher rockfish tag returns by nearshore commercial fishermen may indicate that these and other species of market importance are being heavily impacted by the relatively new live-fish fishery.  Throughout most of the field portion of the study, tagging efforts have been primarily focused on species that are vulnerable to the growing live-fish fishery, such as cabezon, china rockfish, gopher rockfish and grass rockfish. 

  Over the years, NRFTS has evolved into a multi-faceted endeavor which not only contributes scientific information about tag retention, residentiality, maturity and growth rates, it provides hands-on learning opportunities for high school and college students. Several high school students have built marine biology Science Fair projects on such diverse subjects as tag retention, fish hematology and hooking mortality with help and inspiration from  NRFTS staff. Last year, College of the Redwoods’ Marine Science Technology instructor Greg Grantham took a boatload of students from his Marine and Anadromous Fishes class on a tagging expedition, involving them directly with the fine art of in-field fishery research. According to a report by the National Science Foundation, involving students with hands-on experiences enhances learning. “The experience ...becomes a personal event, rather than a contrived exercise,” according to the report. Educating future marine scientists may not have been one of NRFTS’s original goals, but through sharing knowledge we increase public awareness and understanding of marine resource research. 

  NRFTS has also built mutually beneficial relationships with local businesses and other individuals and organizations. Local party boat skippers have been instrumental in educating their customers about tagged fish. Both sport and commercial fishers returning tagged fish have won prizes including grand prize trips to the Caribbean. (see North Coast Fishers Win Big Prizes for Returning Tagged Fish.) 

  NRFTS is funded by the Department and a Northwest Emergency Assistance Program grant which is administered through Salmon Trollers Marketing Association. Many NRFTS employees are displaced salmon fishers, whose expertise and guidance have helped to make the program a success.