Independent Testing of PIT Tags for Fisheries Research: A Framework for Standardization and Performance Evaluation

Abstract Background – Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) tags are widely used to track animal movements and survival. Rigorous testing protocols are necessary to ensure reliability in PIT tag performance and resulting data across various environmental conditions. This study aimed to document a comprehensive testing framework for PIT tags as a model for the broader biotelemetry community, while evaluating the performance of a suite of new PIT tag offerings to determine if they met or exceeded established performance criteria. Independent testing and adherence to regionally applied standards were key components of this effort. Results – The Voda IQ 12 mm, 10 mm, 9 mm, and 8 mm PIT tags were evaluated through a series of independent tests, including assessment of physical dimensions, electrical parameter testing, and proximity evaluations. The 10 mm and 9 mm tags passed all performance criteria, while the 12 mm tag excelled in most areas but exceeded the maximum weight threshold by 0.0022g. Despite this, the 12 mm tag showed strong detection efficiency and read range, particularly in challenging environments like the Bonneville Corner Collector. The 8 mm tags, while showing a more limited read range, offer advantages in applications requiring minimal tag burden. Independent testing played a crucial role in validating the performance of these tags under established protocols. Conclusions – This study underscores the importance of rigorous testing for PIT tags to ensure reliability across diverse environmental conditions. Independent evaluations like these not only build confidence among stakeholders but also encourage the adoption of new technologies and vendors. The methods and results presented here offer a valuable model for testing new biotelemetry technologies, applicable across different species, ecosystems, and monitoring programs worldwide.