Effect of capture injury and tag-type on the recovery rate of tagged tailor, Pomatomos saltatrix (Linnaeus)

Abstract

A series of tag-release-recapture experiments on tailor, Pomatomus saltatrix, was carried out at Fraser Island, Queensland, in 1978, 1979 and 1980. In all, 1731 tailor were tagged and released and 101 were subsequently recaptured and reported by fishermen. The severity of the injury caused by the capture method (angling) prior to tagging had no adverse affect on the recapture rate of tagged fish. Yellow spaghetti tags had a significantly higher rate of recovery than monel metal strap tags possibly because fishermen often failed to recognise strap tags after recapturing tagged fish.