Thesis and Dissertation Writing in a Second Language: a handbook for Supervisors

2.2.1 ERWDA cooperative tagging program
Location of 
A cooperative tagging program was developed 
study and 
through the Environmental Research and Wildlife 
background
Development Agency (ERWDA) in Abu Dhabi to 
information
administer the deployment of conventional tags on 
sailfish in the southern Gulf. Recreational fishermen 
and charter fishing captains volunteered to tag and 
release sailfish to advance scientific knowledge and 
promote conservation of the species. Captures were 
accomplished using standard sportfishing techniques 
including trolling with lures, as well as dead and live
baits. Both circle and ‘J’ hooks were used, however 
Detailed
circle hooks were nearly always used when live baiting.
description of
Tagging activities took place during private fishing
procedures 
excursions and fishing tournaments using FloyTM 
and materials
(Seattle, Washington) model FIM-96 small size 
allowing for
billfish tags. Each tag consists of an 11 cm length of 
replication
yellow colored polyolefin tubing with a unique serial 
number, return address and telephone number and 
notice of reward printed along the tag. A medical 
Overall note:
grade nylon dart is affixed to the tag with a short 
language used
length of monofilament line. Data cards having  
is impersonal.
corresponding serial numbers along with information 
Researcher is
fields for date of release, latitude, longitude, weight,
not mentioned
lower jaw – fork length, angler and captain address 
explicitly
details and remarks were distributed with each tag
(Fig. 2–1). Tags were infixed approximately 4 cm 
into the epaxial muscle with a standard stainless
steel applicator tipped tagging pole. Tagging was 
normally conducted while the sailfish were in the 
water, but in some instances when measurements 
were required the animal would be lifted onboard 
the vessel. Standard practice included removing the
hook prior to release and using revival procedures 
(towing fish slowly behind the vessel), when 
necessary.

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126
Writing the Methodology chapter
passive voice, in order to focus on the processes involved (see Box 8.10 on
p. 128). This section should also discuss any problems encountered with the
analysis or limitations.
Ethical issues
It is vitally important that the second-language student be explicitly made
aware of your university’s ethical research requirements. International stu-
dents in particular may need guidance in this regard. Issues of informed
consent, anonymity, the need for the informant to emerge unharmed from the
experience, and power relations are key considerations. Students may need
help with drafting questionnaires (see Chapter 2) or to be directed to support
services if carrying out interviews in English.