Independent testing of PIT tags for fisheries research: a framework for standardization and performance evaluation

Abstract Background Passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags are widely used to track animal movements and survival. Rigorous testing protocols are necessary to ensure reliability in PIT tag performance and resulting data across various environmental conditions. This study aimed to document a compr...

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Main Authors: Brian Beckley, Armando Piccinini, Zachary T. Sherker
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2024-12-01
Series:Animal Biotelemetry
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s40317-024-00394-x
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author Brian Beckley
Armando Piccinini
Zachary T. Sherker
author_facet Brian Beckley
Armando Piccinini
Zachary T. Sherker
author_sort Brian Beckley
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Background Passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags are widely used to track animal movements and survival. Rigorous testing protocols are necessary to ensure reliability in PIT tag performance and resulting data across various environmental conditions. This study aimed to document a comprehensive testing framework for PIT tags as a model for the broader biotelemetry community and to showcase how independent evaluations can validate the performance of new PIT tag offerings against established regional performance criteria. Independent testing and adherence to regionally applied standards were key components of this effort. Results The Voda IQ HQ12, HQ10, HQ9, and HQ8 PIT tags were evaluated through a series of independent tests, including assessment of physical dimensions, electrical parameter testing, and proximity evaluations. The HQ10 and HQ9 tags passed all performance criteria, while the HQ12 tag excelled in most areas but exceeded the region's maximum weight threshold by 0.0022g. Despite this, the HQ12 tag showed strong detection efficiency and read range, particularly in challenging environments like the Bonneville Corner Collector. The HQ8 tags, while showing a more limited read range, offer advantages in applications requiring minimal tag burden. Independent testing played a crucial role in validating the performance of these tags under established protocols. Conclusions This study underscores the importance of rigorous testing for PIT tags to ensure reliability across diverse environmental conditions. Independent evaluations like these not only inform stakeholders, but also encourage the adoption of new technologies and vendors. The methods and results presented here offer a valuable model for testing new biotelemetry technologies, applicable across different species, ecosystems, and monitoring programs worldwide.
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spelling doaj-art-2cc023a14c634e49b9184faefa8c73e22024-12-22T12:22:13ZengBMCAnimal Biotelemetry2050-33852024-12-0112111110.1186/s40317-024-00394-xIndependent testing of PIT tags for fisheries research: a framework for standardization and performance evaluationBrian Beckley0Armando Piccinini1Zachary T. Sherker2Voda IQVoda IQPacific Salmon Ecology and Conservation Lab, University of British ColumbiaAbstract Background Passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags are widely used to track animal movements and survival. Rigorous testing protocols are necessary to ensure reliability in PIT tag performance and resulting data across various environmental conditions. This study aimed to document a comprehensive testing framework for PIT tags as a model for the broader biotelemetry community and to showcase how independent evaluations can validate the performance of new PIT tag offerings against established regional performance criteria. Independent testing and adherence to regionally applied standards were key components of this effort. Results The Voda IQ HQ12, HQ10, HQ9, and HQ8 PIT tags were evaluated through a series of independent tests, including assessment of physical dimensions, electrical parameter testing, and proximity evaluations. The HQ10 and HQ9 tags passed all performance criteria, while the HQ12 tag excelled in most areas but exceeded the region's maximum weight threshold by 0.0022g. Despite this, the HQ12 tag showed strong detection efficiency and read range, particularly in challenging environments like the Bonneville Corner Collector. The HQ8 tags, while showing a more limited read range, offer advantages in applications requiring minimal tag burden. Independent testing played a crucial role in validating the performance of these tags under established protocols. Conclusions This study underscores the importance of rigorous testing for PIT tags to ensure reliability across diverse environmental conditions. Independent evaluations like these not only inform stakeholders, but also encourage the adoption of new technologies and vendors. The methods and results presented here offer a valuable model for testing new biotelemetry technologies, applicable across different species, ecosystems, and monitoring programs worldwide.https://doi.org/10.1186/s40317-024-00394-xRFIDPIT tagsBiotelemetryTesting protocols
spellingShingle Brian Beckley
Armando Piccinini
Zachary T. Sherker
Independent testing of PIT tags for fisheries research: a framework for standardization and performance evaluation
Animal Biotelemetry
RFID
PIT tags
Biotelemetry
Testing protocols
title Independent testing of PIT tags for fisheries research: a framework for standardization and performance evaluation
title_full Independent testing of PIT tags for fisheries research: a framework for standardization and performance evaluation
title_fullStr Independent testing of PIT tags for fisheries research: a framework for standardization and performance evaluation
title_full_unstemmed Independent testing of PIT tags for fisheries research: a framework for standardization and performance evaluation
title_short Independent testing of PIT tags for fisheries research: a framework for standardization and performance evaluation
title_sort independent testing of pit tags for fisheries research a framework for standardization and performance evaluation
topic RFID
PIT tags
Biotelemetry
Testing protocols
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s40317-024-00394-x
work_keys_str_mv AT brianbeckley independenttestingofpittagsforfisheriesresearchaframeworkforstandardizationandperformanceevaluation
AT armandopiccinini independenttestingofpittagsforfisheriesresearchaframeworkforstandardizationandperformanceevaluation
AT zacharytsherker independenttestingofpittagsforfisheriesresearchaframeworkforstandardizationandperformanceevaluation