Current Status and Review of Freshwater Fish Aging Procedures Used by State and Provincial Fisheries Agencies with Recommendations for Future Directions

Maceina, Michael J.; Boxrucker, Jeff; Buckmeier, David L.; Gangl, R. Scott; Lucchesi, David O.; Isermann, Daniel A.; Jackson, James R.; Martinez, Patrick J.

doi:10.1577/1548-8446(2007)32[329:csarof]2.0.co;2

Cited by 126 publications

(151 citation statements)

References 53 publications

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“…Techniques related to preparation of calcified structures (e.g., sectioning, polishing, and cracking and burning) [4,5], as well as methods for enhancing contrast and visibility of annuli during the age estimation process (e.g., submersing otoliths in immersion oil and use of microscope light filters) have led to improvements in accuracy and precision of age estimates [6,7]. Despite these improvements, process error (i.e., error related to a technique) and interpretation error (i.e., individual subjectivity) still lead to reductions in accuracy and precision in age estimation [3,8].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Simple Method to Reduce Interpretation Error of Ages Estimated from Otoliths

Smith¹,

Dembkowski²,

James³

et al. 2016

TOFISHSJ

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We designed and tested a novel otolith viewing apparatus termed the otolith illumination device (OID) to ascertain if its use would result in a reduction of interpretation error as determined by increased precision of age estimates obtained from otoliths of walleye Sander vitreus and smallmouth bass Micropterus dolomieu. Clarity of annuli on otolith sections viewed with the OID was generally greater than clarity of annuli on sections viewed with an alternative method. OID-based age estimates were equally as, and in some instance more precise than ages estimated using the alternative method. Additionally, no systematic differences in coefficients of variation across ages were detected between the OID and alternative methods of fish age estimation. Results suggest that the OID may be useful for inexperienced readers and is a viable option for reducing interpretation error, which may improve reader efficiency and accuracy and precision in estimating fish ages.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Simple Method to Reduce Interpretation Error of Ages Estimated from Otoliths

Smith¹,

Dembkowski²,

James³

et al. 2016

TOFISHSJ

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show abstract

“…Age information is a cornerstone of fisheries science, used to estimate recruitment, growth, and mortality, that guides management decisions regarding harvest strategies and conservation programs (Maceina et al, 2007;Quist et al, 2012). Individual ages provide a means to examine the age-structure of a population and assess strong and weak year classes (Maceina, 1997;Quist, 2007).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Process error is the absence of true annual marks, thereby the age of the organism is not certain (i.e., poor accuracy). Interpretation error, however, is the inability to replicate age estimates from hard part structures (i.e., poor precision; Maceina et al, 2007). Both process and interpretation errors may occur for a variety of reasons.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Global Status of Freshwater Fish Age Validation Studies and a Prioritization Framework for Further Research

Spurgeon

Hamel

Pope

et al. 2015

Reviews in Fisheries Science & Aquaculture

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Age information derived from calcified structures is commonly used to estimate recruitment, growth, and mortality for fish populations. Validation of daily or annual marks on age structures is often assumed, presumably due to a lack of general knowledge concerning the status of age validation studies. Therefore, the current status of freshwater fish age validation studies was summarized to show where additional effort is needed, and increase the accessibility of validation studies to researchers. In total, 1351 original peer-reviewed articles were reviewed from freshwater systems that studied age in fish. Periodicity and age validation studies were found for 88 freshwater species comprising 21 fish families. The number of age validation studies has increased over the last 30 years following previous calls for more research; however, few species have validated structures spanning all life stages. In addition, few fishes of conservation concern have validated ageing structures. A prioritization framework, using a combination of eight characteristics, is offered to direct future age validation studies and close the validation information gap. Additional study, using the offered prioritization framework, and increased availability of published studies that incorporate uncertainty when presenting research results dealing with age information are needed.

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“…For many species, otoliths have consistently provided the most accurate and precise age determinations over a broad range of ages [4][5][6]. Furthermore, otolith preparation and enumeration of annual growth increments (i.e., annuli) are relatively simple compared to other methods.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Phenology of Annulus Formation in Walleye and Smallmouth Bass Otoliths

Graff¹,

Dembkowski²,

Wuellner³

2014

TOFISHSJ

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Abstract:Walleye Sander vitreus and smallmouth bass Micropterus dolomieu were sampled monthly (May-October) from Lake Sharpe, South Dakota during 2006 and 2007 to estimate the timing of otolith annulus formation and to evaluate the influence of fish age, sex, and sample location (walleye only) on the timing and detection of annulus formation. Timing of annulus formation was evaluated using marginal increment analysis. Walleye samples were stratified by age, sex, and sample location (i.e., upper and lower Lake Sharpe) and smallmouth bass samples were stratified by age and sex. Monthly mean marginal increment measurements for both species generally increased from May to June, declined in July, and slowly increased from August to October. Although monthly differences in marginal increment measurements across analysis strata were rarely consistent, July generally had the lowest mean marginal increment across species and strata, suggesting that annulus formation in walleye and smallmouth bass in Lake Sharpe likely occurs in July. The lack of differences in timing of annulus formation across species-specific strata was surprising given the well-known influences of age, sex, and water temperature on somatic growth. Nonetheless, results will aid managers in improving the accuracy of age estimates.

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Current Status and Review of Freshwater Fish Aging Procedures Used by State and Provincial Fisheries Agencies with Recommendations for Future Directions

Cited by 126 publications

References 53 publications

A Simple Method to Reduce Interpretation Error of Ages Estimated from Otoliths

A Simple Method to Reduce Interpretation Error of Ages Estimated from Otoliths

The Global Status of Freshwater Fish Age Validation Studies and a Prioritization Framework for Further Research

Phenology of Annulus Formation in Walleye and Smallmouth Bass Otoliths

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