Swordfish being tagged with the electronic chip. (Photo: IEO)

Swordfish to be studied through satellites

SPAIN
Monday, November 15, 2010, 03:00 (GMT + 9)

A team of scientists from the Spanish Institute of Oceanography (IEO) of A Coruņa and the Canaries have begun a campaign to mark swordfish with an electronic tagging system.

The main objective of the initiative is to improve knowledge of this species, understand their behavior and contribute to sustainable management.

The tagging study of 15 swordfish began on 9 November on board a commercial longline vessel which sailed from Cape Verde, and will last for around 40 days.

The results of this research are expected to be published in about a year.

They are expected to emit electronic signals via satellite to verify the daily behavior of swordfish in terms of geographic position, temperature and depth.

In addition, looking forward to its post marked mortality rates and rates of mixing between stocks in the Atlantic Ocean.

"This information can be used to predict individual behavior and the vulnerability of the species as a function of oceanographic conditions and conduct standardized fishing efforts," says the IEO.

"Another immediate result of the study will be population structures, migrations and the relationship between biological regions. The estimated trajectories of the fish is done through recorded light levels," they added.

Pop-up marks attached to the copies will become apparent in about 12 months.

The IEO explained that due to the special characteristics of large pelagic species, they can not conduct scientific exploration campaigns such as sound or drive campaigns that are conducted routinely for small pelagic and demersal species.

The researchers plan to do a study with other similar species such as sharks and billfish, among others.


By Analia Murias
editorial@fis.com
www.fis.com