Rapid Lateral Extraction of Otoliths that Maintains the Integrity of Fish Product to Improve Access to Catches and Reduce Potential Sampling Biases

Authors

Corey B. Wakefield, Department of Fisheries, Western AustraliaFollow
Dion K. Boddington, Department of Fisheries, Western AustraliaFollow
Stephen J. Davies, Department of Fisheries, Western AustraliaFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

5-13-2016

Journal Title

The Open Fish Science Journal

ISSN

ISSN: 1874-401X

Keywords

Age Data, Fisheries, Representative Sampling, Sagittal Otolith Removal

Disciplines

Aquaculture and Fisheries | Marine Biology

Abstract

The capacity to sample otoliths of fish from commercial, recreational, artisanal or subsistence catches can be constrained if the dissection process results in alterations to their external appearance and thus reduces its value and/or shelf life. There can also be significant biases incorporated into the collection of otolith samples if access is only granted relative to the size of the fish (i.e. if smaller fish are sold whole). To reduce such limitations, we herein describe a rapid and simple method of lateral otolith extraction that maintains the integrity of the fish product, and thus reduces potential biases in sample collection for age structure data. Representative sampling is an important consideration for the collection of age structure data when it is intended to be used in fisheries stock assessments.

Recommended Citation

Wakefield, C B, Boddington, D K, and Davies, S J. (2016), Rapid Lateral Extraction of Otoliths that Maintains the Integrity of Fish Product to Improve Access to Catches and Reduce Potential Sampling Biases. The Open Fish Science Journal, 9, 26-28.
https://library.dpird.wa.gov.au/fr_fja/322