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Article History

Received: 21 December 2018

Accepted: 21 December 2019

First Online: 8 January 2020

Ethics approval and consent to participate

: The welfare of the subjects was foremost in considerations from the design of this trial through anaesthesia and tag insertion. As such, the number of subjects chosen was minimal while maintaining statistical robustness. The severity of tag insertion under anaesthesia was deemed to cause low levels of discomfort. The Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA, the National Competent Authority) is responsible for following the provisions of the relevant legislation in the EU (Directive 2010/63/EU) and in the Republic of Ireland (SI No. 543 of 2012) on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes. Both the Marine Institute and The National University of Ireland Galway have Breeder/User/Supplier authorisations under HPRA of Ireland, and as such have licence to breed, use and/or supply animals for scientific or educational purposes. Additionally, all operators have completed training in fish tagging, are compliant with best practice, and hold individual authorisations from HPRA.

: All authors have given final approval of the version to be published.

: The authors declare that they have no competing interests.