Document Type
Article
Publication Version
Version of Record
Publication Date
2016
Keywords
Age estimation, otolith, smallmouth bass, walley
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.
Publication Title
The Open Fish Science Journal
Volume
9
First Page
1
Last Page
7
Format
application/pdf
Language
en
DOI of Published Version
10.2174/1874401X01609010001
Publisher
Bentham Open
Rights
Copyright © the Author(s)
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Smith, Bradley J.; Dembkowski, Daniel J.; James, Daniel A.; and Wuellner, Melissa R., "A Simple Method to Reduce Interpretation Error of Ages Estimated from Otoliths" (2016). Natural Resource Management Faculty Publications. 198.
https://openprairie.sdstate.edu/nrm_pubs/198
Comments
This work was published in The Open Fish Journal (2016) 9. doi: 10.2174/1874401X01609010001