Every tagging project has a purpose, whether that be collecting simple information on where the fish move or collecting more complex information such as mortality rates. You must carefully consider and outline the purposes of tagging. The best way to help science and management is to work with agencies. Most successful, long-term tagging programs have established data sharing relationships with state or federal agencies. Training and Guidance for Volunteer Taggers is Essential Tagging so that the best information is developed involves more than catching fish and placing a tag into it.
Fish have vital organs that, if punctured, can cause mortality.
Additionally, too much handling may rub the protective slime layer from the fish, making it more susceptible to infection and diseases. The last thing that volunteer taggers want to do is to increase the mortality of fish they are releasing. So it is important that some guidance be provided to taggers. Ideally, this would take the form of hands-on, personal instruction from experienced taggers or professional biologists. At the very least, strong guidance materials need to be provided.