Effects of Intraperitoneally Implanted Radio Transmitters on the Swimming Performance and Physiology of Pacific Lamprey
Citation
Close, David A, et al. 2003. Effects of Intraperitoneally Implanted Radio Transmitters on the Swimming Performance and Physiology of Pacific Lamprey. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 23:1184–1192, 2003.
Summary
Abstract.—Information on movement patterns and behaviors of Pacific lampreys Lampetra tridentata at Columbia River hydroelectric projects is needed to determine effects of the dams on survival. Radiotelemetry provides a good method for gaining knowledge about Pacific lamprey behavior at the dams; however, one of the assumptions of a radiotelemetry experiment is that tagged individuals are representative of untagged individuals. Therefore, we undertook an assessment of the swimming performance and physiological effects of surgical implantation of radio transmitters into the peritoneal cavities of Pacific lamprey. We measured concentrations of plasma glucose, ventilation rate, and swimming performance at short-term and long-term intervals [...]
Summary
Abstract.—Information on movement patterns and behaviors of Pacific lampreys Lampetra tridentata
at Columbia River hydroelectric projects is needed to determine effects of the dams on
survival. Radiotelemetry provides a good method for gaining knowledge about Pacific lamprey
behavior at the dams; however, one of the assumptions of a radiotelemetry experiment is that
tagged individuals are representative of untagged individuals. Therefore, we undertook an assessment
of the swimming performance and physiological effects of surgical implantation of radio
transmitters into the peritoneal cavities of Pacific lamprey. We measured concentrations of plasma
glucose, ventilation rate, and swimming performance at short-term and long-term intervals following
the surgical implantation of radio transmitters in Pacific lamprey. We found no short-term
difference in glucose levels between tagged (3.4-g tags) and control lampreys, suggesting tagging
is no more stressful than handling. Plasma levels of glucose in Pacific lampreys implanted with
7.4-g transmitters were greater at 3 and 24 h postsurgery compared with controls; however, these
differences disappeared at 96 h. Ventilation rates of tagged (7.4 g) and control lampreys did not
differ at 1, 24, and 168 h after surgeries. Swimming performance of Pacific lampreys implanted
with 7.4-g transmitters was impaired immediately after surgery; however, swimming was not
compromised at 1 and 7 d after surgery. In the long term (i.e., 4 months postimplantation), plasma
glucose levels in lampreys implanted with 3.4-g transmitters did not differ from control or sham
lampreys, whereas those implanted with 10.0 g transmitters had higher plasma glucose than intact
controls. Adult lampreys implanted with 7.4-g transmitters remained statistically indistinct from
controls at 30, 60, 90, and 180 d after surgery. Of the control and 7.4-g tagged lampreys, 22%
matured and developed secondary sexual characteristics with loose eggs or flowing milt by the
end of March. We found 100% survival rate with our tagged fish in all experiments. These results
indicate that radio tags weighing 7.4 g or less that are surgically implanted in adult Pacific lamprey
can meet the core assumption of radiotelemetry, provided precautions are taken to ensure adequate
time for recovery from surgery.
