For most natural populations of Pacific Rim salmonids, the historical high seas tagging database (1954-present) is the only direct information available on ocean ranges, seasonal migration patterns, overlaps in distribution, and individual migration and growth rates. Information from high seas tagging is often used to validate the results of other high seas salmon stock identification methods. From 1953-2005, the U.S. government (Fish & Wildlife Service, Bureau of Commercial Fisheries, and NMFS) contracted the University of Washington to do this work. The results of UW's historical tagging work were instrumental in establishing that U.S. salmon and steelhead were being intercepted by Asian driftnet fisheries for salmon and squid in the North Pacific Ocean and Bering Sea. In recent years, the high seas tag database has continued to provide direct, stock-specific information on offshore distribution and migration patterns of Pacific Rim salmonids. In 1998, UW scientists worked closely with NMFS and NPAFC scientists to apply archival data storage tags for the first time to salmon in the North Pacific. From 2002-2006, we collaborated with NMFS scientists and NPAFC to design and implement the “NPAFC Salmon Tagging” project (Principal Investigators: J. Helle, V. Fedorenko).  This project was funded by the North Pacific Research Board.  The goal of the NPAFC Salmon Tagging project was to gain a better understanding of the distribution patterns, habitat utilization, and movements of Asian and North American salmon migrating in the Bering Sea and North Pacific Ocean. The research was coordinated by NPAFC as a part of their international cooperative salmon research program, the Bering-Aleutian Salmon International Survey (BASIS). Funding from NPRB was used primarily to purchase tags that were deployed on salmon caught during BASIS research vessel cruises in the Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska.  We are now seeking funds to continue and to improve this valuable program, as well as to use the existing databases to address stock-specific issues related to conservation and management of Pacific salmon and steelhead in the North Pacific Ocean, Bering Sea, and adjacent waters.

Currently, the High Seas Salmon Research Program is assisting the NPAFC by advertising for tag recoveries and reporting tag returns to SAFS. High-seas salmon and steelhead tags are red and white or solid red plastic disks about 3/4" in diameter, each imprinted with a unique identification number. They are attached to the fish near the dorsal fin. If you find one of these tags, please return it to the High Seas Salmon Research Program. If the tag cannot be collected, then get the tag number and description. Everyone who returns a high-seas tag or a high-seas tag number and a description of the tag will receive a custom embroidered baseball cap with a logo for international high-seas salmon tagging!

Some fish carry a special electronic data storage tags. These tags continuously record the date and time, as well as data on the salmon’s habitat (e.g., water temperature, depth, and salinity. Pack the tag in bubble wrap or tape it to a sheet of paper, and return along with recovery data to the address shown on the tag. We offer a SPECIAL REWARD for return of an undamaged data tag.

What to do if you catch a tagged fish

• Collect tag
• Record catch location, date, time, species, sex, length*, weight, fishing gear
• Collect scales for age and growth information**
• Send the tags and other information to:

High Seas Salmon Research Program
Attn: K. Myers
School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences
University of Washington
Box 355020
Seattle, WA 98195-5020

or call for details:

phone: (206) 543-1101
FAX: (206) 685-7471
kwmyers@u.washington.edu

Make sure you include your name, address, and a phone number so we can send you your reward and information on when and where in the ocean your fish was tagged and released.

Good luck and good fishing!

*Measure fish length from tip of snout to fork of tail

**If possible, collect scales from 1-3 scale rows above the lateral line, along a diagonal line between the insertion (back) of the dorsal and origin (front) of the anal fin.