Radio Frequency Identification Technology and Marine Turtles: Investigation of Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) Tags and Readers

The insertion of a Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) tag into marine turtles provided one of the first means of permanent marking, and today the tags are used widely. PIT tags, also known as a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags, are not subject to tag loss in the same way that external flipper tags are (but see McNeill et al. 2013), and therefore they provide a mechanism to track recaptures throughout the turtle’s lifespan. Data obtained through recaptures can provide valuable scientific information regarding growth, movement patterns, incidental fishery interactions, and survival. As Radio Frequency Identification technology developed for use in many industries, PIT tag and PIT tag reader options also increased, resulting in compatibility issues that have complicated the ability of researchers to identify animals tagged by other investigators. If researchers are not aware of the incompatibilities that exist within this technology, there is a greater risk that opportunities to identify previously tagged turtles could be lost, along with the scientific value that those rare encounters provide.

To explain the basics of RFID technology (e.g., PIT tags) as applied to marine turtles, point out inconsistencies in the use of this technology by researchers using western North Atlantic leatherbacks, Dermochelys coriacea, as an example, and provide some guidance for future use.

Epperly, S.P., Stokes, L.S. and Belskis, L.B. 2015. Radio Frequency Identification Technology and marine turtles: investigation of Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) tags and readers.  Marine Turtle Newsletter 145: 4-15. Supplemental files

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