By Charlene Tebbutt

Anglers urged to report tagged fish

Jun 30, 2018 | 9:26 AM

The province is urging anglers to take note of tagged fish in rivers and lakes around Saskatchewan as part of a data collection study.

The government is collecting data on fish movement and survival and is looking to local anglers to help share information. Tagged fish can be found in several popular lakes around Saskatchewan, including Tobin Lake, Last Mountain Lake, Buffalo Pound Reservoir, the Qu’Appelle Lakes, Lake Diefenbaker and the Boundary Reservoir.

“We’re generally just interested in where fish are spending their time,” said Rebecca Eberts, a fisheries biologist with the Ministry of Environment.

“Often these studies are conducted where anglers are, we need them to report the fish.”

The province says the tags on fish can vary, but the most common is a “T-bar” or “noodle tag,” which is typically found along the dorsal fin. Eberts said walleye, sauger and Northern pike are some popular types of tagged fish in Saskatchewan waters.

Going Global

P.A.'s Zablocki named to Team Canada for U18 Women's World Championships

20m ago

Election 2024

Birch Hills staff won't share election decision

55m ago

Business and Economy

Investment and development firm that bought Cornerstone acquires South Hill Mall

2h ago

Eberts said researchers are looking for data such as when and where the fish was hooked, its species and whether it was released back into the water. She said it is okay to take a tagged fish home for supper, as long as anglers share the data on the tag first.

Each tag will contain a code number – usually three to six digits – and a contact phone number and email to report information. If you do plan on releasing the fish, Eberts is hoping anglers will leave the tag intact.

“We want anglers to kind of proceed as they normally would, so you’re more than welcome to keep the fish if you planned on it,” Eberts said. “What’s most important is getting that information.”

Eberts said it can be rare to reel in a tagged fish, so it can take years for the province to gather information about their movements. The province has also partnered with other groups and research agencies to collect data about tagged fish around the province.

Eberts says anglers can report tagged fish throughout the summer fishing season and over the winter as well.

Charlene.tebbutt@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @Charlene Tebbutt