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 (USFWS) 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 Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office (Alpena
FWCO). 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 FWCO where they are formatted and added to the database.
Annual updates will be completed to include new tags and recaptures. The
Alpena FWCO 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 FWCO which will consult with the appropriate agency to rectify
the error.