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External and internal tags for the green sea urchin
1Bedford Institute of Oceanography, Department of Fisheries and Oceans, B-100, PO Box 1006, B2Y 4A2, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada
Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology
|March 10, 2001
Summary
Internal aluminum tags and external nylon screw tags were tested on green sea urchins. Internal tags showed excellent retention and survival, while external tags offered diver identification but lower retention.
Area of Science:
- Marine biology
- Ecology
- Aquaculture
Background:
- Effective tagging methods are crucial for monitoring sea urchin populations.
- Previous tagging techniques have limitations in terms of retention, detection, and impact on survival.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of different internal and external tags for the green sea urchin ( *Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis*).
- To identify tagging methods that ensure high survival, long-term retention, individual identification, and cost-effectiveness.
Main Methods:
- Tested two internal aluminum tags and three external nylon screw tags on green sea urchins.
- Tags were applied via a drilled hole and evaluated in laboratory and field settings over four months.
- Assessed tag retention, sea urchin survival, growth, and detectability by divers and underwater metal detectors.
Main Results:
- Internal aluminum tags demonstrated excellent retention (100% over 4 months) and did not affect sea urchin survival or growth.
- External nylon screw tags allowed for diver identification but had lower retention rates.
- Both internal tag types were detectable with an underwater metal detector.
Conclusions:
- Internal aluminum tags are a viable option for long-term sea urchin tracking, ensuring high survival and retention.
- External nylon screw tags are suitable for short-term studies requiring diver-based identification.
- Tagging methods should be chosen based on specific research objectives for green sea urchin studies.