Sectioned or whole otoliths? A global review of hard structure preparation techniques used in ageing sparid fishes

Winkler, Alexander C; Duncan, Murray I; Farthing, Matthew W; Potts, Warren M

Title: Sectioned or whole otoliths? A global review of hard structure preparation techniques used in ageing sparid fishes
Creator: Winkler, Alexander C
Creator: Duncan, Murray I
Creator: Farthing, Matthew W
Creator: Potts, Warren M
Date Issued: 2019
Date: 2019
Type: text
Type: article
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/126733
Identifier: vital:35917
Identifier: https://doi.10.1007/s11160-019-09571-1
Description: While otoliths are considered the most reliable structure to accurately age fish, a variety of otolith preparation techniques are available, which have consequences on the otolith’s optical properties and therefore interpretation of growth bands. Recently, numerous studies from a variety of authors have criticised the use of whole otoliths in ageing sparids with sectioned otoliths subsequently acknowledged as the most reliable preparation technique. Despite this criticism; ageing data is still being generated from whole otoliths and other unreliable structures such as scales. In an attempt to understand the severity of this issue we conducted a global literature review of otolith preparation protocols used for sparids. We identified global spatial inconsistencies in otolith preparation techniques with some regions predominately using methods other than sectioned otoliths to age sparids. The review highlights the need for a standardisation of otolith preparation methods and a move towards the use of sectioned otoliths, or at least valid support where alternative structures or preparation techniques are used. Given that large numbers of studies have been conducted on whole otoliths in certain regions, it may be necessary to revaluate the existing growth parameters to ensure that accurate information is incorporated into management structures.
Format: 7 pages
Format: pdf
Language: English
Relation: Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries
Relation: Winkler, A.C., Duncan, M.I., Farthing, M.W. and Potts, W.M., 2019. Sectioned or whole otoliths? A global review of hard structure preparation techniques used in ageing sparid fishes. Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries, pp.1-7.
Relation: Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries volume number 1 7 2019 0960-3166
Rights: Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries
Rights: Use of this resource is governed by the terms and conditions of the SpringerLink Terms of Use Statement ( https://link.springer.com/termsandconditions)

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Potts, Warren M (Prof)

RU Department of Ichthyology and Fisheries Science

RU South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB)

SDG 14. Life Below Water

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