SMAST and the Northeast Regional Cod Tagging Program 2003
Introduction • Summary • By the Numbers • Tagging Protocol • Fishermen Partners • Outreach • End Note • Final Report 2005

Fishermen’s personal knowledge of Atlantic cod occurrence on Georges Bank was an important factor in the success of this project. During the spring and fall of 2003 seven commercial draggers from the New Bedford fishing fleet were chartered to conduct Atlantic cod tagging operations on Georges Bank. The ships ranged in size from 62 ft to 83 ft and from 92 gross tons to 147 gross tons. Commercial trawls were modified to use a 12.7 mm (5 inch) mesh in the codend. These ships completed a total of seven cruises, five in the spring and two in the fall for a total of 33 days at sea.