Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) Tags

No Reporting Needed

Internal / PIT tags are an implanted tag that is used when an individual fish needs to be identified. The tag contains a series of numbers and letters that can be obtained by passing a "PIT Tag reader" over the implanted tag.

Additional Information about PIT Tags:

• New Walleye Tagging Project Begins in Lakes Erie and Huron
  In 2005 several walleye stocks in lakes Huron and Erie started receiving PIT tags along with the typical jaw tag.
• Sturgeon Research on Lake St. Clair Preserves Sturgeon Sport Fishery
  PIT tags are used in lake sturgeon on the St. Clair River to improve population estimates, along with identifying individual fish.
• Lake Sturgeon Distribution and Status in Michigan, 1996-2005
  In Lake Michigan after 2000 lake sturgeon over 25 cm were doubled marked with a PIT tag and anchor tag.
• Great Lakes Lake Sturgeon Tag Identification Database
  The Great Lakes lake sturgeon tag identification database was developed to facilitate communication between individuals who tag and recapture lake sturgeon in the Great Lakes.
• Collecting Muskie Eggs Helps Mother Nature Along
  Currently the Michigan DNR is using PIT tags in muskies to identify genetic strain and improve hatchery production success.
• Rehabilitating the Legendary Coaster Brook Trout
  PIT tags in coaster brook trout in Lake Superior are being used to determine movement and mortality.