Introduction
The
Great Lakes Lake Sturgeon Tag Identification Database (TID) is intended
to facilitate communication between people who tag
and those who recapture lake sturgeon across the Great Lakes. The database
provides managers, researchers, and other interested parties the ability
to determine who should be contacted when they encounter a tagged lake
sturgeon. Development of the TID was initiated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service's Great Lakes Lake Sturgeon Committee in 2001. The structure
of the database was developed through a peer review process that involved
fishery professionals from several agencies that tag lake sturgeon in
the Great Lakes. Completion of the database and development of this web
accessible version was made possible through funding provided by the
Great Lakes Fishery Trust in 2005. The database is managed by the Alpena
Fishery Resource Office (Alpena FRO) and will be posted on the Great
Lakes Fishery Commission web site. The USFWS Lake Sturgeon Committee
provides
oversight of the project.
Data contained in the database are limited
to contact information for those who tag and recapture lake sturgeon
with specified tag number (PIT
tags) or other identifying marks or tags. Data are submitted electronically
to the Alpena FRO where they are formatted and added to the database.
Annual updates will be completed to include new tags and recaptures.
The Alpena FRO will make every attempt to keep the database as current
as possible and will rely on the efforts of all agencies and institutions
involved to provide data in a timely manner.
Like all databases, errors
or omissions will occur. It is the responsibility of each individual
or agency providing data to transfer complete and
accurate records. Any errors found by users should be referred to the
Alpena FRO which will consult with the appropriate agency to rectify
the error.