Age & Growth of Fish

Age & Growth of Fish

Fish have ears?! In this session, participants will learn how and why fisheries scientists use ear bones to age fish. Staff will discuss the science of sectioning otoliths and ageing fish, with a focus on why the Marine Fisheries Age and Growth Lab is an integral component of fishery conservation and management.

Learning Points

1. Learn that FWRI’s Age and Growth Lab estimates the ages marine fish from 70 different species.
2. See how FWRI scientists use specialized equipment like saws and microscopes, to conduct the science of ageing fish.
3. Understand why knowing ages of economically and ecologically important fish species is essential to their survival.

Resources

• You "Oto" Know activity
• If you are interested in receiving whole fish otoliths or microscope slides for a hands-on activity, please email Jessica Carroll at Jessica.Carroll@MyFWC.com.