Testing new electronic archival tags in Alaska salmon

Objective 5

Collect archival and I.D. tags from summer 2001 through fall 2004

For the 2001 spring release, no active archival tags were available from the manufacturer.  In the 2002 release, 174 coho were tagged with active archival tags and released into Ship Creek.  Tag returns from our first release will provide valuable data on percent recovery for each coho life stage in Ship Creek and Cook Inlet.  Active archival tags recovered from the 2002 and 2003 releases will provide critical information on marine habitat and migration patterns for coho in Cook Inlet.  A reward is being offered for the return of any archival tag.  Tags are anticipated to be collected and returned by a strong commercial and sports fishery in the area along with daily sampling from the ADF&G Ship Creek fish trap. Information on how to identify a tagged coho and return tags can be found below.

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Ship Creek combat fishing	Fishing for silver salmon at low tide in Ship Creek	ADF&G fish trap used for enumerating species and looking for tagged fish

How to identify a tagged coho salmon.

Please Check All Jacks

1. Look to see if the coho salmon has an adipose fin.  The adipose fin is a small fin located on the dorsal (top) side between the dorsal fin and caudal (tail) fin.  If the fin is missing you may have a winner.  Continue with steps 2 and 3.
   

2. Inspect the underside of the coho for surgical scars or a wire protruding from the belly region.  If you detect either one, the coho most likely has an internal archival tag.  To remove the tag, carefully slit open the belly slightly above the location of the scar or protruding wire.  Carefully look and feel for a hard capsule shaped object and remove.  This can be done as you field dress your catch.
   

3. Carefully look directly behind each eye for a small brightly colored rectangle with numeric symbols.  The tags are located directly under a clear layer of tissue behind the mid-point of the eye.  These VI-alpha tags are easier to see on Jacks (pre-mature adult males) compared to fully mature adult coho.  Look closely while inspecting your catch, especially Jacks, the tags are very small.

What to do if you capture a tagged coho salmon.

Returning A Tag

Tags can be turned in for a cash reward. $25.00 will be given for each individual archival tag returned and $2.00 will be given per VI tagged fish. A maximum of $27.00 can be given for an archival and VI tagged individual coho. Those who return archival tags will be entered into a cash prize drawing. Tags can be returned to the Ship Creek Silver Derby headquarters (August 2-12) located on Ship Creek next to the Comfort Inn or call the number below for more information.

For questions concerning tag return or project information please call: (907) 786-3576

For more information on ASC-BSO coho research, contact: