A Day in the Life of a PIT Tag Research Project 

From Field Prep to Meaningful Data 

Behind every PIT tag dataset is a full day of preparation, coordinated fieldwork, and a series of small but critical decisions that ultimately determine data quality. While PIT tags themselves are small, the systems and protocols surrounding them are designed to support accuracy, efficiency, and animal welfare over the long term. 

Early Morning: Gear Checks and System Prep 

Most PIT tag days begin early. Before any fish are handled, the tagging system is staged and verified. Handheld readers are powered on and tested. Batteries are checked. Time and date settings are confirmed, so detections align correctly with environmental data later. Tag files are reviewed to ensure codes are unique and properly assigned. 

Mid Morning: Tagging and Immediate Verification 

Once sampling begins, efficiency and consistency become critical. Fish are captured using methods appropriate for the species and habitat. PIT tags are implanted using a sterile injector, typically in seconds. Immediately after implantation, each tag is scanned to confirm the tag is active and correctly recorded. 

Understanding the Technology Inside the Tag 

Each PIT tag contains a microchip, antenna coil, capacitor, and ferrite core sealed inside biocompatible glass. There is no internal battery. Tags remain inactive until they enter an antenna’s electromagnetic field, at which point they transmit a unique identification code. 

How Small Is a PIT Tag? 

PIT tags are typically comparable in size to a grain of rice. Their small footprint allows tagging across a wide range of species and life stages while minimizing impact on the animal. 

Final Thought 

A PIT tag research project is defined by preparation, verification, and systems that continue working long after the field day ends. From early morning gear checks to years of passive detections, each PIT tag carries a long-term record of movement and survival. The real work is making sure that the record is accurate.