Abstract
A SIMPLE inexpensive fish tag, after the style of the hydrostatic tag devised by Einar Lee, has been constructed as follows (Fig. 1). Transparent vinyl plastic tubing (Crystal Vinyl tubing No. 6A, supplied by Portlant Plastics, Ltd.) in. int. diam. is cut in lengths of 2 in. One end of the tube is softened by heating near the edge of a very low Bunsen flame and then the walls are pressed together with large forceps. Dipping the forceps in cold water between each operation keeps them cold and thus increases the desired effect of welding the inner walls of the tube while minimizing distortion of the outer walls which cool more rapidly by contact with the cold forceps. Cooling the forceps also eliminates a tendency of the warm vinyl plastic to stick to them. A slip of white paper with the mark number and instructions in indian ink for the finder is next inserted and then the other end is closed. In one of the flattened ends a hole is made to take a 12-in. length of 0.65 mm. diam. monofilament nylon (sold for anglers as 27½ pounds or 12.5 kilos breaking strain). After insertion the nylon is knotted to form a loop. The cost of materials works out at less than 4d. a tag.
Similar content being viewed by others
Article PDF
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
O'ROURKE, F., MAKINGS, P. An Inexpensive Easily Constructed Fish-marking Tag. Nature 181, 577 (1958). https://doi.org/10.1038/181577a0
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/181577a0
Comments
By submitting a comment you agree to abide by our Terms and Community Guidelines. If you find something abusive or that does not comply with our terms or guidelines please flag it as inappropriate.