Investigation of Hydrodynainic Properties and Failure Modes of Pop-up Satellite Tags used on Atlantic Bluefin Tuna, Thunnus thynnus

摘要

A conservation-driven effort to track the migratory and spawning patterns of Atlantic bluefin tuna, Thunnus thynnus, has popularized pop-up satellite tags (PSAT) among researchers. Efforts to better understand the pelagic species and their behavioral patterns have been frustrated by premature release of the tags. This study investigates the drag and the dynamic behavior of the tags in the water at maximum theoretical velocities for Atlantic bluefin tuna. In understanding these properties at high velocities, inferences can be made about the holding strength of the current tag anchoring system on the tuna.