What is „Fish Trek“?

Fish Trek is a database which can be queried to reference the original tagging record and fate of a tagged fish based on its tag type and unique identification code. The information on original tagging records comes from participating researchers who initially captured, tagged, and released the fish as part of a scientific research project and have uploaded these records to Fish Trek.

The original tagging records plus information about any recapture or recovery from fishermen, anglers, fish vendors, chefs, and consumers, allows researchers to understand where the fish ultimately travelled, its growth, movement rate, and longevity.

As early as 1932, Koch determined that:

“… it’s been shown that a high finder´s reward results in a reward of returning tags.”

To incentivize the public to return tags, and maximize the knowledge gained through Fish Trek, we offer a reward of 20 € for each recovered tag that is returned to Fish Trek with information specifying the location and date where the fish (or tag) was recovered.

KOCH, W. (1932): Fischmarkierungsversuche am badischen Rhein und Neckar. – Badische Fischerei-Z. 9, 145 – 156, 164 – 176

How works Fish Trek?

1. Mark found on or in a fish?

Recognize the type of marker on the Fish-Trek homepage and click on the corresponding image. Under the heading „TAGGING FISH“ you can find out more information about the mark type and how you can report your found mark type to Fish-Trek.

2. Send marking with information about the fish!

Pack the identified marker securely according to the instructions. Don’t forget to add the required additional information or an accompanying form. Important note: Without information on the location and date as well as the length of the fish, no finder’s reward!

3. Search online for the fish/tag in the database.

You can also search for the fish/mark in Fish Trek database directly. To do this, you can enter the ID-code of the marking with the required additional information about the fish and its evidence in a mask. If the individual is listed in the database, you will immediately find out where the fish came from and more.

What happens after submitting a tag?

  • The marking code is identified by the Fish-Trek team.

  • The identification code is used to check whether the data of the fish is available in the database:

    • If no data is available, we actively investigate which marking project the individual could come from.

    • If data is available, we add the fish to the database and make this available to the general public under the heading “Findings”.

    • In addition, the marker receives all available information about the reported fish.

What are the benefits for the finder for the sending a tag?

  • Provided that all obligatory information about the type of tag and the fish are given the finder receives a fee of 20 € for each reported fish. Note, the bank details must be communicated.

  • In addition, the finder receives information about the tag and the fish.

  • Under the heading „FINDINGS“ the finder can view what contribution the feedback has made to the general gain in knowledge about the life of fish.

Which tags are there?

PIT Tag

Pic: IfOE

Telemetric Emitter

(Pic: IfOE)

External Tag
(Anchor, Floy, T-Bar und Spaghetti-Tag)

(Pic: IfOE)

Visible Implant Tag

(Pic: Northwest Marine Technology)

Coded Wire Tag

(Pic: Northwest Marine Technology)

Did you find a tagged fish or one of the tags shown? Please click on the corresponding picture and you will be redirected to the information page for the marking type.