The tag.
Florescent green circular tags are pinned through the anterior dorsal region of the fish (see graphic). The “button” portion of the tag bears a serial number and a contact phone number. A select number of fish will also have acoustic tracking tags attached. We encourage the release of any tagged fish with the tag still attached, especially sub-legal sized fish, so that further data can be collected from subsequent recaptures. Any fish with tracking tags should be retained since the tags are reusable.

Whom to contact?
Fishermen encountering these tags are requested to report recapture information to Paul Caruso at the following addresses or phone number:

Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries
1213 Purchase St- 3rd Floor
New Bedford, MA 02740
E-mail: paul.caruso@state.ma.us
Phone number 508-990-2860 x 107

What to report?
The serial number, location of recapture, date captured, length of the fish, and your name, address, and telephone number should all be reported. Responders will receive a reward, and randomly selected responders will receive a $100 gift certificate, good for the purchase of fishing equipment or supplies.

Why are summer flounder being tagged?
Summer flounder are being tagged in Massachusetts’s waters to determine movement patterns and if the same fish return to local waters in subsequent years. Results of this study could allow the evaluation of alternative management strategies in the future that could benefit local fisheries.

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