Drawing on international experience to improve performance of CCAMLR tagging programs

Mark-recapture methodologies are commonly used to inform the management of fisheries. In addition to answering targeted research questions, tagging programmes are typically used to describe movement patterns relative to stock unit identification or to support spatial disaggregation of stock assessment areas, and in some instances to derive population abundance estimates. This paper is intended as a discussion tool to identify and prioritize tagging-related issues for further research drawing on the experience tagging programmes internationally. To the extent that CCAMLR tagging programmes are unique, an evaluation of potential programme biases and corresponding information needs is presented. The paper focusses on the design and implementation of toothfish tagging programmes, but many of the potential issues apply equally to other tagged species such as skates.