close print view Obtaining information about the behavior of
animals in their natural environment is difficult. Telemetry
tags allow researchers to identify the location of a fish by
detection of a signal from a transmitter that has been implanted
in the fish. Two types of signals / transmitters are typically
utilized by fisheries researchers; radio and sonic (acoustic).
Radio transmitters are utilized to monitor fish locations and
habitat use in shallow, fresh-water environments. In situations
where radio telemetry is not practical or appropriate (e.g., in
deep or highly conductive water), researchers can use acoustic
transmitters and receivers to track fish. In general, telemetry
tags will only be discovered if a fish is cleaned (filleted,
gutted) for human consumption. Most fish carrying telemetry tags
will also carry information (address, phone number, email)
concerning tag reporting, either on the telemetry tag or on an
associated tag (e.g., anchor tag, jaw tag). Telemetry tags are
costly, but can be re-