Did you know there’s a simple, hands-on way you — yes, you — could help protect fish populations every time you go out on the water? It’s called carcass tagging, and it’s part of one of the longest-running fish tracking efforts in the world: NOAA’s Cooperative Tagging Center. Since 1954, this pioneering program has turned thousands of anglers, charter captains, and commercial fishermen into citizen scientists. But while it may sound high-tech or exclusive, the process is surprisingly accessible — and it’s making a real difference.
The idea is straightforward. When a fish is caught and released, a tag is attached that contains a unique identification number. That number links the fish to a record containing data — like where and when it was caught, how big it was, and by whom. If the fish is ever caught again — what scientists call a “recapture” — the new data helps build a timeline of that fish’s journey. This allows researchers to track movements, estimate lifespan, understand seasonal migrations, and even detect behavioral patterns and survival rates after release.
The data collected feeds directly into sustainable fishery management. Tagging provides critical information for federal stock assessments and plays a major role in defining Essential Fish Habitat in U.S. waters. The program focuses heavily on highly migratory species like billfish, swordfish, and tuna, but it’s expanding to include coastal pelagics such as king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, greater amberjack, jack crevalle, almaco jack, and cobia. And yes — rockfish are also part of the picture, jointly managed by NOAA Fisheries and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Best of all, participation is free. NOAA provides tagging kits that include everything you need: tags, instructions, and data sheets to record your catches. For finfish tagging kits, anglers can email [email protected] or call (800) 437-3936. For shark tagging, kits can be requested by emailing [email protected] or calling (877) 826-2612.
So what does tagging actually look like? If you’re releasing a fish, have a tag ready and handle the fish with care. Record the fish’s length, weight, date, and precise catch location. Then attach the tag securely — usually at the base of the dorsal fin — and if needed, revive the fish by holding it alongside the boat to pass water over its gills before releasing. If you catch a tagged fish, note the number and take a photo if possible. If the tag is worn or unreadable, remove and send it in, and re-tag the fish with a new one, making sure to include the previous number on the report.
Over the years, the program has issued more than 270,000 tags across over 70 species, making it one of the most robust community-science efforts at NOAA. Collaborations with organizations like The Billfish Foundation, Gray FishTag Research, and The Dolphinfish Research Program expand the program’s reach and impact, helping fisheries scientists make informed, data-driven decisions.
And if you’re wondering whether it’s worth the effort — just ask the researchers who’ve used this data to detect shifts in population behavior, the anglers who’ve caught the same fish years apart, or the policymakers working to keep our oceans healthy and fish populations thriving.
As fishing pressure and environmental stressors increase, community-driven efforts like this are what bridge the gap between science and sport. Whether you’re a seasoned captain, a weekend warrior, or a curious first-timer, the Cooperative Tagging Center offers an easy, meaningful way to make your time on the water count — for science, for sustainability, and for the future of fishing.
To get involved, visit NOAA’s Citizen Science & Crowdsourcing page or email [email protected].
