Place the tag within the molded surface of the applicator, and attach the tag to the trailing edge of the flipper. Attach the tag on the flipper so that it extends slightly from the edge of the flipper. On front flippers, the tagging site is the first or second large scale on the posterior edge of the flipper. Some researchers use the site proximal to and adjacent to the first large scale or between the two large scales. On hind flippers, the tagging site is the first large scale.
Some researchers use the site proximal to and adjacent to the first large scale.
Once the tag has been attached, check the tip to be sure it has properly cinched. The tag tip should overlap the edge of the hole by at least 3 mm. If the overlap is insufficient, carefully fit the tag back into the applicator and apply greater pressure. If this is still unsatisfactory, remove and apply another tag. Refer to the chapter by G.H. Balazs for more details on tagging sea turtles.