K. A. Bjorgo, M. G. Walsh, and J. Jeffery Isely, South Carolina Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634

Abstract. The use of radio telemetry in fisheries research is common. However, methods of transmitter implantation and incision closure vary and may affect survival and tag retention. Two common implantation techniques; the shielded needle and the non-shielded needle technique, were evaluated in conjunction with two incision closure materials; absorbable or non-absorbable sutures to determine the combined effects on survival and tag retention in sunshine bass Morone saxatilis x M. chrysops. Fifty sunshine bass were stocked into each of 3 - 1,500 1 circular flow-through fiberglass tanks and held indoors at 17^oC. Twenty fish in each replicate were implanted using the shielded needle, and 20 fish were implanted using the non-shielded needle technique. Half of each implant group were then sutured with absorbable, and half were sutured with non-absorbable sutures. An additional 10 fish in each replicate served as mortality controls. Preliminary data suggest no significant implant techniques or suture type effects on survival or tag retention.