Methodological approaches and opinions of researchers involved in the surgical implantation of telemetry transmitters in fish

The purpose of the present study was to characterize the surgical methods researchers use to implant telemetry transmitters in fish and obtain their opinions on fish surgical techniques. The majority of respondents (74%) use monofilament suture to close transmitter incisions. mirroring recent findings that monofilament can help reduce tissue inflammation and promote wound healing. An equal number also believe that maintaining sterile equipment between surgeries is important to preserve fish health. Despite the difficulty of maintaining sterile surgical equipment and surgery areas in field conditions, this opinion does coincide with those of veterinarians. Opinions about what component of surgery is the most hazardous for fish were mixed: 37% believed it to be the initial incision, closely followed by wound closure (23%), insertion of the transmitter and its components (22%), and anesthesia and the handling of the fish (18%). A large proportion (73%) of researchers practice at least occasionally to maintain or improve their surgical skills, The fact that approximately 18% of fish surgeons do not practice was a surprise. Although responses regarding any observations between surgical experience/volume and outcome (e.g., survival) were disparate, the majority (69%) of respondents identified this as an important research area. Furthermore, the majority of researchers (62%) believed it was important to use the individual surgeon for each fish as a covariate when analyzing the data obtained during a study involving multiple surgeons. Despite the variety of practices and opinions of fish surgeons, the majority of responses conformed with or promoted the use of surgical techniques that would benefit the health and welfare of fish. This information should help fisheries researchers reline their surgical techniques and assist governing agencies in forming important regulations on laboratory and field surgical procedures.