A new technique for tagging abalone

Abstract

A new technique for individually marking abalone in situ uses a nylon rivet to attach a numbered disc to the trema. In trials with Haliotis rubra, there was an initial loss of 4-16% and an annual rate of tag shedding of approximately 4-35%. Rates of tag loss depended on the positioning of the tag. The ease with which this technique can be used under water, the speed of application, and the low level of irritation expected to result from its use make this a useful addition to the range of techniques available for the study of abalone.