How are cod tagged?
Electronic tags can be placed internally or externally. For internal placement, cod are anaesthetised and tags are surgically inserted into their bellies. Small ‘flag’ or ‘Howitt’ tags are placed behind the dorsal fin of each internally tagged cod to indicate that there is a tag inside. External tagging is used less, and involves attaching the DST by means of sutures to the dorsal musculature of each fish. All tagging is undertaken by fully trained and certified personnel who operate under strict national Governmental regulations concerning animal welfare.
