The Open Fish Science Journal
2016, 9 : 1-7Published online 2016 March 25. DOI: 10.2174/1874401X01609010001
Publisher ID: TOFISHSJ-9-1
RESEARCH ARTICLE
A Simple Method to Reduce Interpretation Error of Ages Estimated from Otoliths
2 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Great Plains Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office, 420 S. Garfield Avenue, Suite 400, Pierre, SD 57501, USA
3 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Green Bay Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office, 2661 Scott Tower Drive, New Franken, WI 54229, USA
4 Wisconsin Cooperative Fishery Research Unit, Fish Propagation Science Center, College of Natural Resources, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, Stevens Point, WI 54481, USA
* Address correspondence to this author at the Wisconsin Cooperative Fishery Research Unit, Fish Propagation Science Center, College of Natural Resources, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, Stevens Point, WI 54481, USA; Tel: (715) 346-4350; E-mail: .dan.dembkowski@uwsp.edu
ABSTRACT
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.