Manual: estimating the age of Patagonian toothfish (Dissostichus eleginoides) using transverse cross-sections of otoliths

At the 2000 Fish Stock Assessment Working Group Meeting (WG-FSA-2000), differences were noted in the growth parameters being used for assessments of toothfish. To assess whether these differences were real or else due to methods of otolith preparation and reading, scientists from CCAMLR member nations participated in a Workshop in 2001 at Old Dominion Unversity with the primary aim of seeking conformity in estimating age of Patagonian toothfish (Dissostichus eleginoides). Arising from the workshop, the Center for Quantitative Fisheries Ecology at Old Dominion University has developed a manual to address recommendations for: the use of otoliths for estimating age; key features to be taken into account in reading otoliths; quality assurance and control; and the use of reference sets to monitor precision.