SSTP recommended tagging sizes

In the Scottish Shark Tagging Programme we are tagging and collecting data for the following species; tope, smoothhound, spurdog, bull huss, rays and common skate.

We are also recording numbers, but NOT tagging, of all other shark species caught, inc. Lesser Spotted Dogfish.

This guide may be downloaded here (pdf).

The following are the SSTP minimum tagging sizes :

Tope …………. Length 100cm (10.0 lb)
Spurdog……… Length 90cm (6.4 lb)
Bull Huss…… Length 100cm (7 lb)
Smoothhound…. Length 100cm (6.5 lb)
Rays……… Wingspan 50cm (5.25lb)
Common Skate… Wingspan 55cm (5.3lb)

If a fish is below the minimum tagging size, or you do not feel competent to tag, then please do not tag them, just record whatever details you can on the SSTP data card.

Only weigh a fish if you have a suitable weighing sling. We can estimate weights if you measure length or wingspan.

If in any doubt,

or if the health of the fish is in question

then – please release the fish immediately.

If you catch a tagged fish

Please leave the tag in the fish.

Note the telephone number or address on the tag and write down the number of the tag. If you have a suitable sling and scales then take the measurements and weigh the fish.

Please keep the fish in water as much as possible.

And don’t forget Log the data here.

Shark papers by Lauren Smith

On the BBC & ITV

and Gordon Goldie gives an interview here on ITV.

During Sharkatag 2010 the CBBC / BBC Newsround programme did a item with Kiera Merrifield and Bradley Burrett – see it at CBBC / BBC website

The Scottish Sea Angling Conservation Network

The SSTP is part of the the Scottish Sea Angling Conservation Network, an independent Charity registered in Scotland which was created to focus on conservation issues in the marine environment and in particular those affecting sea anglers.