Best practice guidelines for cetacean tagging

Résumé

Animal-borne electronic instruments (tags) are valuable tools for collecting information on cetacean physiology, behaviour and ecology, and for
enhancing conservation and management policies for cetacean populations. Tags allow researchers to track the movement patterns, habitat use and
other aspects of the behaviour of animals that are otherwise difficult to observe. They can even be used to monitor the physiology of a tagged
animal within its changing environment. Such tags are ideal for identifying and predicting responses to anthropogenic threats, thus facilitating the
development of robust mitigation measures. With the increasing need for data best provided by tagging and the increasing availability of tags, such
research is becoming more common. Tagging can, however, pose risks to the health and welfare of cetaceans and to personnel involved in tagging
operations. Here we provide ‘best practice’ recommendations for cetacean tag design, deployment and follow-up assessment of tagged individuals,
compiled by biologists and veterinarians with significant experience in cetacean tagging. This paper is intended to serve as a resource to assist tag
users, veterinarians, ethics committees and regulatory agency staff in the implementation of high standards of practice, and to promote the training
of specialists in this area. Standardised terminology for describing tag design and illustrations of tag types and attachment sites are provided, along
with protocols for tag testing and deployment (both remote and through capture-release), including training of operators. The recommendations
emphasise the importance of ensuring that tagging is ethically and scientifically justified for a particular project and that tagging only be used to
address bona fide research or conservation questions that are best addressed with tagging, as supported by an exploration of alternative methods.
Recommendations are provided for minimising effects on individual animals (e.g. through careful selection of the individual, tag design and implant
sterilisation) and for improving knowledge of tagging effects on cetaceans through increased post-tagging monitoring.