WEBVTT 00:00:02.127 --> 00:00:05.356 During 2023, Earl Prentice shared his 00:00:05.380 --> 00:00:06.149 knowledge about the 00:00:06.173 --> 00:00:07.841 history of PIT tag development 00:00:08.216 --> 00:00:10.528 during phone calls, emails, and 00:00:10.552 --> 00:00:12.238 interviews. This film 00:00:12.262 --> 00:00:13.722 is based on those events. 00:00:15.432 --> 00:00:18.035 Relevant photographs are rare. They are 00:00:18.059 --> 00:00:19.519 used as much as possible. 00:00:20.270 --> 00:00:21.372 Reenactments are also 00:00:21.396 --> 00:00:22.647 used to tell this story. 00:00:25.483 --> 00:00:27.920 "It dawned on me the last time we had the 00:00:27.944 --> 00:00:30.172 workshop in 2015, there 00:00:30.196 --> 00:00:32.323 was just so many new people 00:00:33.491 --> 00:00:36.887 that I think a whole new generation, they 00:00:36.911 --> 00:00:38.848 really don't see the 00:00:38.872 --> 00:00:41.082 origins of this technology. 00:00:41.624 --> 00:00:46.689 I'd like to just focus on that aspect and 00:00:46.713 --> 00:00:48.733 put together a video 00:00:48.757 --> 00:00:50.550 that just talks about the 00:00:50.675 --> 00:00:54.280 origins of using PIT tags implanted in 00:00:54.304 --> 00:00:56.282 fish, how you kind of came 00:00:56.306 --> 00:00:58.492 about it, and what were some of 00:00:58.516 --> 00:00:59.516 the challenges?" 00:01:03.480 --> 00:01:05.958 This video discusses the conception and 00:01:05.982 --> 00:01:08.401 development of the full-duplex passive 00:01:08.443 --> 00:01:10.671 integrated transponder tag, which is 00:01:10.695 --> 00:01:12.363 commonly known as the PIT tag. 00:01:16.826 --> 00:01:19.388 Passive Integrated Transponder tags, or 00:01:19.412 --> 00:01:22.141 PIT tags for short, are tracking tags that 00:01:22.165 --> 00:01:23.559 do not require an internal 00:01:23.583 --> 00:01:25.710 power source, such as a battery. 00:01:26.377 --> 00:01:28.105 They are constructed of copper wire 00:01:28.129 --> 00:01:29.506 around a ferrite core. 00:01:30.215 --> 00:01:32.485 The brain of the PIT tag, a typical 00:01:32.509 --> 00:01:35.571 microchip, is encoded with a 14-character 00:01:35.595 --> 00:01:38.097 ID. Every PIT tag is unique. 00:01:39.265 --> 00:01:42.143 Durable, laser sealed, and impermeable, 00:01:42.519 --> 00:01:43.746 this small glass cover 00:01:43.770 --> 00:01:45.623 seals and protects the inner 00:01:45.647 --> 00:01:48.083 circuitry and is harmless to the fish 00:01:48.107 --> 00:01:49.609 when properly implanted. 00:01:51.653 --> 00:01:54.131 A PIT tag obtains its power from an 00:01:54.155 --> 00:01:56.383 external antenna that couples to the 00:01:56.407 --> 00:01:57.426 small antenna within 00:01:57.450 --> 00:02:00.513 the tag. When a PIT tag passes close to 00:02:00.537 --> 00:02:01.431 one of these special 00:02:01.455 --> 00:02:03.206 antennas, it is activated, 00:02:03.540 --> 00:02:06.227 and its unique code can be read. Today, 00:02:06.251 --> 00:02:08.771 PIT tags are used extensively for 00:02:08.795 --> 00:02:10.022 anadromous fish stock 00:02:10.046 --> 00:02:13.025 restoration and fish passage issues in 00:02:13.049 --> 00:02:14.425 the Columbia River Basin. 00:02:15.885 --> 00:02:17.780 "There were some major steps in the PIT 00:02:17.804 --> 00:02:19.264 tag development process 00:02:19.639 --> 00:02:21.307 relevant to Pacific Northwest 00:02:21.391 --> 00:02:22.391 anadromous fish. 00:02:23.059 --> 00:02:24.727 First, there was the idea. 00:02:25.478 --> 00:02:27.331 Then, the evaluation to 00:02:27.355 --> 00:02:28.731 see how it affects the fish. 00:02:29.566 --> 00:02:31.752 There were a lot of small steps, both 00:02:31.776 --> 00:02:32.902 forward and backwards." 00:02:34.028 --> 00:02:35.864 In 1980, Earl Prentice 00:02:36.406 --> 00:02:37.446 worked for NOAA Fisheries. 00:02:38.157 --> 00:02:39.802 He was stationed at the Northwest 00:02:39.826 --> 00:02:41.327 Fisheries Science Center, 00:02:41.744 --> 00:02:43.246 Manchester Research Station. 00:02:44.038 --> 00:02:45.975 At that time, he was working on 00:02:45.999 --> 00:02:46.852 completing the life 00:02:46.876 --> 00:02:48.293 cycle of the spot prawn. 00:02:48.960 --> 00:02:51.063 The objective of his work was to 00:02:51.087 --> 00:02:52.940 determine if the spot prawn would be 00:02:52.964 --> 00:02:54.066 suitable for commercial 00:02:54.090 --> 00:02:55.090 aquaculture. 00:02:55.675 --> 00:02:58.028 As part of this work, he wanted to tag 00:02:58.052 --> 00:02:58.989 each of the research 00:02:59.013 --> 00:03:00.722 animals with an individual 00:03:00.847 --> 00:03:01.847 identifier. 00:03:02.307 --> 00:03:04.368 However, he discovered that none of the 00:03:04.392 --> 00:03:05.935 existing tagging systems 00:03:06.227 --> 00:03:07.520 were suitable for his needs. 00:03:08.521 --> 00:03:11.083 Then, while he was driving to work, Earl 00:03:11.107 --> 00:03:12.167 heard a story on the 00:03:12.191 --> 00:03:14.295 radio about a small tag that 00:03:14.319 --> 00:03:16.797 could be implanted in humans and used as 00:03:16.821 --> 00:03:18.489 a unique personal identifier. 00:03:19.240 --> 00:03:21.760 This detail in the story suggested to 00:03:21.784 --> 00:03:23.262 Earl that the tag probably 00:03:23.286 --> 00:03:24.704 had many of the attributes 00:03:24.996 --> 00:03:26.015 he was seeking for his 00:03:26.039 --> 00:03:27.540 work with spot prawns. 00:03:28.541 --> 00:03:29.667 "It had a unique code 00:03:30.043 --> 00:03:31.127 that could not be altered. 00:03:31.753 --> 00:03:32.813 It could be read and 00:03:32.837 --> 00:03:34.631 processed rapidly through tissue. 00:03:35.173 --> 00:03:37.050 It was totally sealed from liquids. 00:03:37.884 --> 00:03:39.594 It was small in physical size. 00:03:40.178 --> 00:03:42.472 And, it was not harmful to the carrier." 00:03:43.973 --> 00:03:45.808 This story sparked Earl's interest. 00:03:46.559 --> 00:03:48.495 He knew that if the tag described in the 00:03:48.519 --> 00:03:50.039 radio broadcast had these 00:03:50.063 --> 00:03:51.582 attributes, and was found 00:03:51.606 --> 00:03:54.168 to be safe for use in fish, it could be a 00:03:54.192 --> 00:03:55.628 useful tool in his and 00:03:55.652 --> 00:03:56.736 other fisheries work. 00:03:57.528 --> 00:03:59.840 It took Earl several months and many 00:03:59.864 --> 00:04:01.383 phone calls to trace 00:04:01.407 --> 00:04:02.742 the story on the radio. 00:04:03.326 --> 00:04:05.638 He eventually learned Mr. Vern Taylor 00:04:05.662 --> 00:04:06.871 was behind the story. 00:04:07.997 --> 00:04:09.683 Mr. Taylor was a pretty wealthy 00:04:09.707 --> 00:04:11.793 individual who owned racehorses. 00:04:12.877 --> 00:04:15.064 After some of his horses were stolen, he 00:04:15.088 --> 00:04:16.106 wanted to find a better 00:04:16.130 --> 00:04:17.423 method for identification 00:04:18.007 --> 00:04:20.009 than the tattoos used at that time. 00:04:20.551 --> 00:04:22.947 While searching for alternative tools, he 00:04:22.971 --> 00:04:25.282 found a tag that was used on railroads to 00:04:25.306 --> 00:04:26.766 identify rolling stock. 00:04:27.350 --> 00:04:28.434 The tag was huge. 00:04:29.018 --> 00:04:30.913 Mr. Taylor thought the size could be 00:04:30.937 --> 00:04:32.873 reduced and it could incorporate 00:04:32.897 --> 00:04:33.833 attributes that would 00:04:33.857 --> 00:04:35.334 enable him to use the tag 00:04:35.358 --> 00:04:36.693 in horses and livestock. 00:04:37.527 --> 00:04:39.922 Consequently, he set into action a plan 00:04:39.946 --> 00:04:42.073 to get investment money to do just that. 00:04:42.824 --> 00:04:45.135 His plan was to plant a news story about a 00:04:45.159 --> 00:04:46.387 new tag that could 00:04:46.411 --> 00:04:47.638 potentially be put into 00:04:47.662 --> 00:04:48.663 the hand of a person. 00:04:49.330 --> 00:04:51.058 They could wave it over a reader in the 00:04:51.082 --> 00:04:53.042 store, just like a credit card. 00:04:53.918 --> 00:04:56.397 Earl presented the tag concept to Dr. 00:04:56.421 --> 00:04:57.815 Conrad Mankin, the 00:04:57.839 --> 00:04:59.424 director of the NOAA Manchester 00:04:59.507 --> 00:05:00.985 Research Station, and 00:05:01.009 --> 00:05:02.802 others during a staff meeting. 00:05:03.511 --> 00:05:04.447 He received a mixed 00:05:04.471 --> 00:05:05.722 response from the group. 00:05:06.431 --> 00:05:09.118 However, they suggested that he visit Mr. 00:05:09.142 --> 00:05:10.411 Taylor, the owner of 00:05:10.435 --> 00:05:11.602 Identification Devices 00:05:11.978 --> 00:05:15.207 Inc., IDI, at their headquarters in 00:05:15.231 --> 00:05:17.418 Colorado, to discuss his system 00:05:17.442 --> 00:05:19.068 development plans, time 00:05:19.402 --> 00:05:21.213 tables, and the features Earl thought 00:05:21.237 --> 00:05:23.197 would be necessary for a fish tag. 00:05:24.073 --> 00:05:26.260 Earl knew that individuals within NOAA 00:05:26.284 --> 00:05:27.511 and Bonneville Power 00:05:27.535 --> 00:05:30.180 Administration (BPA) were 00:05:30.204 --> 00:05:32.474 eager for a new tool that would provide 00:05:32.498 --> 00:05:34.101 accurate, near real-time 00:05:34.125 --> 00:05:36.252 data, using less human effort, 00:05:36.586 --> 00:05:37.962 and fewer tagged animals. 00:05:38.337 --> 00:05:40.607 to address numerous questions related to 00:05:40.631 --> 00:05:43.027 Columbia River Basin salmon and steelhead 00:05:43.051 --> 00:05:44.051 trout stocks. 00:05:44.552 --> 00:05:46.613 This, helped him get some money from 00:05:46.637 --> 00:05:47.865 NOAA to meet with 00:05:47.889 --> 00:05:49.390 Mr. Taylor in Colorado. 00:05:50.767 --> 00:05:53.245 At the time of Earl's visit at IDI's 00:05:53.269 --> 00:05:55.205 facility in Colorado, their 00:05:55.229 --> 00:05:56.707 PIT tag development program 00:05:56.731 --> 00:05:59.460 was totally focused on livestock because 00:05:59.484 --> 00:06:00.336 that had become their 00:06:00.360 --> 00:06:01.986 source of tag development money 00:06:02.278 --> 00:06:04.048 and this was where Mr. Taylor's interest 00:06:04.072 --> 00:06:06.216 lay. Mr. Taylor promised 00:06:06.240 --> 00:06:08.135 the tag size would be reduced 00:06:08.159 --> 00:06:11.662 to 6mm in length and 2mm in diameter. 00:06:12.413 --> 00:06:13.308 Earl admits he was 00:06:13.332 --> 00:06:15.249 totally naive and bought into 00:06:15.333 --> 00:06:18.145 what Mr. Taylor was saying. After 00:06:18.169 --> 00:06:20.606 returning from Colorado, Earl again 00:06:20.630 --> 00:06:22.215 briefed the Manchester staff. 00:06:22.840 --> 00:06:25.235 They were encouraging and suggested that 00:06:25.259 --> 00:06:26.445 he prepare a proposal 00:06:26.469 --> 00:06:28.614 for BPA to describe the 00:06:28.638 --> 00:06:30.783 potential attributes of the PIT tag for 00:06:30.807 --> 00:06:32.242 marking salmon and the 00:06:32.266 --> 00:06:33.744 steps he would take to determine 00:06:33.768 --> 00:06:36.705 its suitability and safety for use with 00:06:36.729 --> 00:06:39.023 free swimming juvenile and adult salmon. 00:06:39.899 --> 00:06:43.569 In 1982, Earl wrote the proposal for BPA. 00:06:44.278 --> 00:06:46.298 In early 1983, he 00:06:46.322 --> 00:06:48.574 received notification from BPA 00:06:48.950 --> 00:06:50.493 that they would fund a multi-year, 00:06:50.827 --> 00:06:52.304 cooperative study, between 00:06:52.328 --> 00:06:53.621 themselves and the National 00:06:53.663 --> 00:06:56.391 Marine Fisheries Service titled, "A 00:06:56.415 --> 00:06:57.518 Study to Determine the 00:06:57.542 --> 00:06:59.645 Biological Feasibility of a 00:06:59.669 --> 00:07:02.606 New Fish Tagging System". This resulted 00:07:02.630 --> 00:07:03.816 in the first of many 00:07:03.840 --> 00:07:06.759 progress reports beginning in 1984. 00:07:07.260 --> 00:07:10.656 "The first phase of research was to 00:07:10.680 --> 00:07:12.950 develop a means by which to insert the 00:07:12.974 --> 00:07:14.517 tag into juvenile salmon. 00:07:15.309 --> 00:07:17.454 Identify the anatomical areas where the 00:07:17.478 --> 00:07:18.580 tag could be safely 00:07:18.604 --> 00:07:20.773 inserted and remain in position. 00:07:21.566 --> 00:07:23.901 Assertain the tissue response to the tag. 00:07:24.485 --> 00:07:25.629 Determine the effect of 00:07:25.653 --> 00:07:27.530 the tag on growth, survival, 00:07:28.281 --> 00:07:31.009 behavior, and wound healing. Define the 00:07:31.033 --> 00:07:34.429 tag operating life. And, quantify tag 00:07:34.453 --> 00:07:35.663 retention over time." 00:07:37.039 --> 00:07:39.059 Earl did a lot of the initial work in the 00:07:39.083 --> 00:07:40.727 Manchester lab with the 00:07:40.751 --> 00:07:42.378 help of numerous staff members. 00:07:43.087 --> 00:07:44.087 He acknowledges, 00:07:44.547 --> 00:07:46.608 "If it were not for the staff caring for 00:07:46.632 --> 00:07:47.632 the test fish, 00:07:47.842 --> 00:07:49.177 conducting various studies, 00:07:49.594 --> 00:07:51.405 and collaborating at every step of the 00:07:51.429 --> 00:07:52.948 way, the project would 00:07:52.972 --> 00:07:53.973 not have been a success." 00:07:55.224 --> 00:07:57.953 Eventually, NOAA's electronics shop at 00:07:57.977 --> 00:08:00.414 Sandpoint, Washington and the NOAA team 00:08:00.438 --> 00:08:02.875 at Pasco got involved along with the 00:08:02.899 --> 00:08:04.567 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. 00:08:05.943 --> 00:08:07.546 "Bringing the PIT tag to fisheries 00:08:07.570 --> 00:08:10.007 applications was a cooperative effort 00:08:10.031 --> 00:08:10.842 that ranged from 00:08:10.866 --> 00:08:12.450 technicians to upper management." 00:08:13.576 --> 00:08:15.888 Determining a means to tag the fish was a 00:08:15.912 --> 00:08:17.139 challenge. Earl 00:08:17.163 --> 00:08:18.640 recalls the first attempts 00:08:18.664 --> 00:08:20.184 at tagging were conducted with 00:08:20.208 --> 00:08:22.186 non-functional tags, using 00:08:22.210 --> 00:08:24.128 juvenile and adult mortalities, 00:08:24.420 --> 00:08:26.481 from other studies being conducted at the 00:08:26.505 --> 00:08:28.090 Manchester Research Station. 00:08:29.258 --> 00:08:31.528 "The initial tagging tests helped identify 00:08:31.552 --> 00:08:33.947 potential tagging sites and aided in 00:08:33.971 --> 00:08:35.199 developing an inexpensive 00:08:35.223 --> 00:08:37.099 and practical tool for tagging. 00:08:37.808 --> 00:08:40.579 Unfortunately, the very first live fish I 00:08:40.603 --> 00:08:43.415 tagged died because I failed to place a 00:08:43.439 --> 00:08:44.583 hole in the bottom of the 00:08:44.607 --> 00:08:46.484 syringe for air escapement. 00:08:47.235 --> 00:08:49.546 Subsequent live fish tests used various 00:08:49.570 --> 00:08:51.239 age classes, sizes, 00:08:51.781 --> 00:08:53.241 and species of salmonids." 00:08:54.784 --> 00:08:57.370 As for the PIT tag itself, Earl claims, 00:08:58.371 --> 00:09:00.807 "This tag has probably been evaluated more 00:09:00.831 --> 00:09:03.352 than any other tag prior to being used 00:09:03.376 --> 00:09:04.669 by the fisheries community." 00:09:06.254 --> 00:09:08.524 The development process was slow and 00:09:08.548 --> 00:09:09.840 frustrating at times. 00:09:10.508 --> 00:09:11.526 Earl started off with 00:09:11.550 --> 00:09:12.760 non-functional tags. 00:09:13.511 --> 00:09:15.405 They had an electronic component that was 00:09:15.429 --> 00:09:16.931 inserted into a sealed, 00:09:17.181 --> 00:09:18.516 polypropylene cylinder. 00:09:19.183 --> 00:09:20.911 They were smaller than the proposed 00:09:20.935 --> 00:09:23.479 functional 400 kHz tags. 00:09:24.814 --> 00:09:26.875 Non-functional tags enabled tagging 00:09:26.899 --> 00:09:28.985 equipment and techniques to be developed 00:09:29.277 --> 00:09:30.671 and later verified when 00:09:30.695 --> 00:09:32.405 functional tags became available. 00:09:33.406 --> 00:09:35.676 Unfortunately, the sealing on the early 00:09:35.700 --> 00:09:37.261 tags was crude and the 00:09:37.285 --> 00:09:38.887 ends would damage the inside of 00:09:38.911 --> 00:09:41.181 the fish. When they managed to correct 00:09:41.205 --> 00:09:42.790 the sealing so it was smooth, 00:09:43.124 --> 00:09:44.393 they found that after several 00:09:44.417 --> 00:09:46.853 months in the water they would leak and 00:09:46.877 --> 00:09:48.146 kill the electronics in the 00:09:48.170 --> 00:09:50.256 tag. They next tried glass, 00:09:50.673 --> 00:09:52.526 but the end was more pointed than it is 00:09:52.550 --> 00:09:54.343 now and it could snap off. 00:09:55.177 --> 00:09:57.614 Finally, after many attempts by the tag 00:09:57.638 --> 00:09:58.991 manufacturer, a 00:09:59.015 --> 00:10:00.933 satisfactory tag sealing process 00:10:01.225 --> 00:10:05.038 was developed. In 1986, Earl received the 00:10:05.062 --> 00:10:06.540 first glass encapsulated 00:10:06.564 --> 00:10:09.025 tags. They were full duplex, 00:10:09.442 --> 00:10:13.839 12mm in length, 2.1mm in diameter, and 00:10:13.863 --> 00:10:16.383 operated at 400kHz. This 00:10:16.407 --> 00:10:18.302 again led to a repeat of numerous 00:10:18.326 --> 00:10:21.138 studies, under controlled conditions, to 00:10:21.162 --> 00:10:22.431 ensure the tag would be 00:10:22.455 --> 00:10:23.998 satisfactory for fisheries 00:10:24.081 --> 00:10:27.144 applications. Earl had done quite a bit 00:10:27.168 --> 00:10:28.312 of tagging with the old 00:10:28.336 --> 00:10:30.296 plastic tag and the fish were 00:10:30.338 --> 00:10:32.983 surviving at high levels. With the switch 00:10:33.007 --> 00:10:34.484 to glass tags, he 00:10:34.508 --> 00:10:35.801 wanted them pressure tested. 00:10:36.469 --> 00:10:38.822 After the tags were pressure tested, they 00:10:38.846 --> 00:10:39.823 checked a sample for 00:10:39.847 --> 00:10:41.825 cracks and then conducted tagging 00:10:41.849 --> 00:10:44.745 tests on live fish. This led to another 00:10:44.769 --> 00:10:47.998 problem. He recalls, "They 00:10:48.022 --> 00:10:49.541 sent me a package of pressure 00:10:49.565 --> 00:10:51.710 tested tags, which I immediately 00:10:51.734 --> 00:10:54.338 evaluated. The results were very 00:10:54.362 --> 00:10:56.214 alarming since nearly all of 00:10:56.238 --> 00:10:58.925 the fish died within a day. This was 00:10:58.949 --> 00:11:00.302 unlike the results of any 00:11:00.326 --> 00:11:01.994 of my previous tag tests. 00:11:02.620 --> 00:11:05.015 After a discussion with IDI, and 00:11:05.039 --> 00:11:06.516 additional testing, the 00:11:06.540 --> 00:11:08.060 problem was traced to the red 00:11:08.084 --> 00:11:10.854 dye used to pressure test the tags. The 00:11:10.878 --> 00:11:12.272 dye could not be seen on the 00:11:12.296 --> 00:11:14.316 tags, but the dye residue was 00:11:14.340 --> 00:11:17.277 sufficient to kill juvenile salmonids. A 00:11:17.301 --> 00:11:18.945 different dye was used in all 00:11:18.969 --> 00:11:20.846 subsequent tag pressure tests 00:11:21.138 --> 00:11:22.181 with no problems." 00:11:23.557 --> 00:11:25.643 It was a struggle getting the first tags, 00:11:25.935 --> 00:11:26.953 but the first readers 00:11:26.977 --> 00:11:28.437 left a lot to be desired 00:11:28.479 --> 00:11:30.123 also, especially in the 00:11:30.147 --> 00:11:32.149 distance at which tags could be read. 00:11:32.900 --> 00:11:34.002 Whit Patton was an 00:11:34.026 --> 00:11:36.070 electrical engineer for IDI. 00:11:36.654 --> 00:11:38.548 He liked fish and dedicated 00:11:38.572 --> 00:11:40.199 his time to NOAA's project. 00:11:40.825 --> 00:11:43.428 With his work and his expertise, the 00:11:43.452 --> 00:11:44.347 first interrogation 00:11:44.371 --> 00:11:46.390 system was installed at McNary 00:11:46.414 --> 00:11:49.750 Dam, on the Columbia River, during 1987. 00:11:51.001 --> 00:11:53.397 Shielding the antennas from ambient, RFID 00:11:53.421 --> 00:11:54.731 interference and the 00:11:54.755 --> 00:11:55.714 metal in the concrete 00:11:55.756 --> 00:11:57.067 around them was another 00:11:57.091 --> 00:11:58.759 issue that had to be resolved. 00:12:00.136 --> 00:12:02.072 Recording the data also presented a 00:12:02.096 --> 00:12:03.222 significant challenge. 00:12:03.931 --> 00:12:04.991 Everything was recorded 00:12:05.015 --> 00:12:06.434 with a computer and printer. 00:12:07.059 --> 00:12:08.036 All of the data was 00:12:08.060 --> 00:12:09.478 printed out in real-time. 00:12:10.187 --> 00:12:12.541 The printers would jam regularly even 00:12:12.565 --> 00:12:14.817 when kept inside heated instrument rooms. 00:12:16.235 --> 00:12:18.797 In 1988, it was concluded that a 00:12:18.821 --> 00:12:20.215 professionally designed and 00:12:20.239 --> 00:12:22.509 managed PIT tag database, that 00:12:22.533 --> 00:12:25.011 resided on a mainframe computer was 00:12:25.035 --> 00:12:25.888 required to meet 00:12:25.912 --> 00:12:27.597 contractual and verbal agreements 00:12:27.621 --> 00:12:30.166 with BPA and various fishery agencies. 00:12:30.791 --> 00:12:33.270 As a result, a cooperative agreement was 00:12:33.294 --> 00:12:35.105 made with the Pacific States Marine 00:12:35.129 --> 00:12:36.297 Fisheries Commission, 00:12:37.006 --> 00:12:40.152 PSMFC, to develop and manage a prototype 00:12:40.176 --> 00:12:42.028 PIT tag database using 00:12:42.052 --> 00:12:43.905 the coded wire tag database 00:12:43.929 --> 00:12:44.929 as a model. 00:12:45.389 --> 00:12:47.284 This also helped to alleviate concern 00:12:47.308 --> 00:12:48.702 about the tag data being 00:12:48.726 --> 00:12:50.144 stored on an individual's 00:12:50.227 --> 00:12:51.227 computer. 00:12:51.312 --> 00:12:53.748 The prototype program was available and 00:12:53.772 --> 00:12:55.065 used to process data 00:12:55.399 --> 00:12:57.193 during the 1989 season. 00:12:57.902 --> 00:13:00.338 However, it had usability issues and 00:13:00.362 --> 00:13:01.780 required further refinement. 00:13:02.448 --> 00:13:04.593 The present database system, called 00:13:04.617 --> 00:13:06.303 PTAGIS, was developed 00:13:06.327 --> 00:13:08.221 over the next few years and 00:13:08.245 --> 00:13:09.347 it is still housed at 00:13:09.371 --> 00:13:11.790 PSMFC, in Portland, Oregon. 00:13:15.377 --> 00:13:17.522 It was clear to all parties that the 00:13:17.546 --> 00:13:18.773 development of the database 00:13:18.797 --> 00:13:20.716 system was a dynamic process 00:13:21.133 --> 00:13:22.277 and required oversight 00:13:22.301 --> 00:13:23.761 from the fisheries community. 00:13:24.470 --> 00:13:27.115 Thus, an oversight team, the PIT Tag 00:13:27.139 --> 00:13:29.242 Steering Committee, was formed with 00:13:29.266 --> 00:13:30.243 representatives from 00:13:30.267 --> 00:13:31.602 the various user groups. 00:13:32.937 --> 00:13:34.623 There have been several other significant 00:13:34.647 --> 00:13:37.209 developments over the years, far too many 00:13:37.233 --> 00:13:38.526 to list all of them here. 00:13:39.151 --> 00:13:41.320 However, a few notable ones are. 00:13:42.446 --> 00:13:44.758 The first PIT tag separation by code 00:13:44.782 --> 00:13:46.301 system was deployed at 00:13:46.325 --> 00:13:48.702 Lower Granite Dam, in 1993. 00:13:49.912 --> 00:13:52.307 The Columbia River PIT tag interrogation 00:13:52.331 --> 00:13:56.186 system was converted from 400 kHz to a 00:13:56.210 --> 00:14:00.422 134.2 kHz ISO system in 2000. 00:14:01.632 --> 00:14:04.736 The 2000 Biological Opinion referred to 00:14:04.760 --> 00:14:06.071 the PIT tag as a useful 00:14:06.095 --> 00:14:07.721 tool for fishery managers 00:14:08.055 --> 00:14:09.950 to use in addressing the many questions 00:14:09.974 --> 00:14:10.951 regarding stock 00:14:10.975 --> 00:14:13.519 restoration and fish passage issues. 00:14:14.103 --> 00:14:16.373 This document became the driving force 00:14:16.397 --> 00:14:18.750 directing BPA and the U.S. 00:14:18.774 --> 00:14:20.150 Army Corps of Engineers 00:14:20.526 --> 00:14:22.712 to support future PIT tag development 00:14:22.736 --> 00:14:24.405 work and the tools used. 00:14:25.239 --> 00:14:28.677 In 2001, the first small stream PIT tag 00:14:28.701 --> 00:14:30.387 systems were installed on 00:14:30.411 --> 00:14:31.888 Abernathy and Rattlesnake 00:14:31.912 --> 00:14:34.206 creeks within the Columbia River Basin. 00:14:35.124 --> 00:14:38.812 In 2004, half-duplex PIT tags were used 00:14:38.836 --> 00:14:40.379 to tag Pacific Lamprey 00:14:40.713 --> 00:14:41.731 for the first time in 00:14:41.755 --> 00:14:42.798 the Pacific Northwest. 00:14:43.799 --> 00:14:45.860 What are some PIT tag innovations that 00:14:45.884 --> 00:14:48.178 Earl thinks you may address or witness 00:14:48.596 --> 00:14:49.972 during your fisheries career? 00:14:50.639 --> 00:14:52.033 A few of these are already 00:14:52.057 --> 00:14:53.434 in some stage of development. 00:14:54.977 --> 00:14:57.247 "It is time to change the tag's glass and 00:14:57.271 --> 00:14:59.791 capsule material to another one that is 00:14:59.815 --> 00:15:02.234 biologically inert for safety reasons. 00:15:03.402 --> 00:15:05.839 Technology has advanced to a point where 00:15:05.863 --> 00:15:08.133 it may be possible to develop a special 00:15:08.157 --> 00:15:09.134 PIT tag that has 00:15:09.158 --> 00:15:10.618 sensors of various types. 00:15:11.243 --> 00:15:13.471 The sensor information might be time and 00:15:13.495 --> 00:15:16.081 date stamped for readings of blood pH, 00:15:16.665 --> 00:15:18.310 cortisol levels, and other 00:15:18.334 --> 00:15:20.210 physiological characteristics. 00:15:21.337 --> 00:15:23.189 Studies directed at determining stress 00:15:23.213 --> 00:15:25.775 and various diseases could benefit from 00:15:25.799 --> 00:15:26.967 such tag attributes. 00:15:28.177 --> 00:15:30.822 Modify the tags encapsulate so that the 00:15:30.846 --> 00:15:33.491 tag's antenna is incorporated within or on 00:15:33.515 --> 00:15:35.392 the interior wall of the encapsulate. 00:15:35.934 --> 00:15:37.871 This would significantly increase the 00:15:37.895 --> 00:15:40.498 antennas overall size, which could result 00:15:40.522 --> 00:15:41.940 in a longer read range. 00:15:42.900 --> 00:15:44.568 Develop a passive-active tag. 00:15:45.110 --> 00:15:48.131 For example, a tag that is passive, such 00:15:48.155 --> 00:15:50.634 as the present PIT tag, but also has a 00:15:50.658 --> 00:15:53.928 holographic, micro, lithium ion battery 00:15:53.952 --> 00:15:55.245 which is rechargeable. 00:15:55.996 --> 00:15:58.475 Once this type of power is available, a 00:15:58.499 --> 00:16:00.769 new level of performance and a number of 00:16:00.793 --> 00:16:02.961 new applications can be envisioned. 00:16:03.754 --> 00:16:05.381 The technology now exists. 00:16:06.173 --> 00:16:07.525 However, it is still in 00:16:07.549 --> 00:16:08.717 the development stage." 00:16:09.885 --> 00:16:11.738 Earl's take home message about the future 00:16:11.762 --> 00:16:14.181 of PIT tag technology innovations is, 00:16:14.890 --> 00:16:17.202 "All of this may be possible, but people 00:16:17.226 --> 00:16:18.811 just have to think out of the box." 00:16:20.187 --> 00:16:21.188 Earl asserts, 00:16:21.689 --> 00:16:24.125 "The development of PIT tag technology for 00:16:24.149 --> 00:16:26.628 fisheries applications is a good example 00:16:26.652 --> 00:16:28.546 of the federal government spearheading 00:16:28.570 --> 00:16:30.674 the original development and in turn 00:16:30.698 --> 00:16:32.801 passing it on to the private sector for 00:16:32.825 --> 00:16:34.844 further refinement to address the 00:16:34.868 --> 00:16:36.328 specific needs of the community. 00:16:37.037 --> 00:16:39.099 A very successful joint cooperative 00:16:39.123 --> 00:16:40.475 effort developed and 00:16:40.499 --> 00:16:41.709 it continues to this day." 00:16:42.626 --> 00:16:44.479 Earl emphatically credits a dedicated 00:16:44.503 --> 00:16:46.272 group working towards the 00:16:46.296 --> 00:16:47.548 common goal of protecting 00:16:48.006 --> 00:16:49.317 and restoring our 00:16:49.341 --> 00:16:51.343 precious fisheries resources. 00:16:52.636 --> 00:16:54.531 "I appreciate you understanding where I 00:16:54.555 --> 00:16:55.848 came from on this project. 00:16:56.473 --> 00:16:57.473 How it started. 00:16:57.933 --> 00:16:59.184 But, there are so many people. 00:16:59.935 --> 00:17:00.935 So many people. 00:17:01.687 --> 00:17:03.873 All I did was kick the ball and the rest 00:17:03.897 --> 00:17:05.232 of the people ran with it. 00:17:05.733 --> 00:17:07.961 I came up with the concept, but it was 00:17:07.985 --> 00:17:09.421 team effort, with many 00:17:09.445 --> 00:17:10.821 other dedicated and forward 00:17:10.904 --> 00:17:12.882 thinking individuals, that ultimately 00:17:12.906 --> 00:17:14.658 moved this technology forward. 00:17:15.909 --> 00:17:17.804 I think the whole community should be 00:17:17.828 --> 00:17:18.954 thanked for their support. 00:17:19.538 --> 00:17:20.266 This is not a 00:17:20.290 --> 00:17:22.541 one-person show, by any means. 00:17:23.125 --> 00:17:24.394 It's a community that 00:17:24.418 --> 00:17:25.961 worked together to form this. 00:17:26.545 --> 00:17:28.630 We're talking about federal, tribes, 00:17:29.256 --> 00:17:31.717 states, private sector, and individuals." 00:17:35.387 --> 00:17:37.532 In addition, Earl acknowledges the 00:17:37.556 --> 00:17:39.325 support provided by the significant 00:17:39.349 --> 00:17:41.518 others of those involved with this work, 00:17:41.769 --> 00:17:43.562 such as his wife, Jan. 00:17:44.188 --> 00:17:46.541 The work, and ultimate success that he 00:17:46.565 --> 00:17:48.460 and others accomplished, could not have 00:17:48.484 --> 00:17:50.712 occurred without that steadfast support. 00:17:50.736 --> 00:17:54.382 "What this project should inspire is you 00:17:54.406 --> 00:17:55.699 thought outside the box. 00:17:56.825 --> 00:17:59.345 You were presented immense challenges and 00:17:59.369 --> 00:18:01.639 even like you just said with the 00:18:01.663 --> 00:18:02.915 pressure testing, almost 00:18:03.874 --> 00:18:06.186 stopped progress. And, 00:18:06.210 --> 00:18:08.420 maybe that would be 00:18:08.921 --> 00:18:11.691 inspiring for this next generation of 00:18:11.715 --> 00:18:13.693 researchers to see where 00:18:13.717 --> 00:18:16.095 you came from, your point of view, 00:18:16.678 --> 00:18:18.472 the challenges you overcame. 00:18:19.681 --> 00:18:22.577 You were working with new technology and 00:18:22.601 --> 00:18:24.204 raw materials and 00:18:24.228 --> 00:18:27.105 nothing had been tried before. 00:18:27.481 --> 00:18:29.083 And you know, I think that's 00:18:29.107 --> 00:18:31.169 something inspiring for 00:18:31.193 --> 00:18:33.362 others. Everybody just looks at this 00:18:34.404 --> 00:18:37.258 technology and the database and the data 00:18:37.282 --> 00:18:39.385 that's behind it. I think they kind of 00:18:39.409 --> 00:18:40.409 take it for granted."