AFSC/REFM: Atka mackerel Tagging Studies, Aleutian Islands, Alaska

From 1999-2015, approximately 130,000 Atka mackerel have been tagged and released in the Aleutian Islands, Alaska, specifically at Seguam Pass, Tanaga Pass, Amchitka Island, Kiska Island, Petrel Bank, Buldir Island, Agattu Island and Western Aleutian Seamounts. To date, over 2,600 have been recovered. Tag releases were conducted aboard the chartered fishing vessels, Pacific Explorer and Morning star (2014), and tag recoveries were conducted aboard the chartered fishing vessel, Seafisher. In addition, the Atka mackerel fishery provides a substantial amount of the tag recoveries in the areas open to fishing. Tagging procedures and recovery sampling are described in detail in McDermott et al 2005.