Methods
The fish scale and otolith samples that FLHAP analyzes are collected in a variety of ways, but most come from creel and spawning ground surveys, as well as from fish traps and/or hatcheries.
FLHAP uses established protocols to manage data associated with disparate collections and ensure our analyses are accurate.
For a complete overview of FLHAP methods and procedures see:
FLHAP receives and organizes samples by species, objective, location, and collection method.
Scales are cleaned and mounted.
Mounted scales are pressed into acetate using a heat press.
Scales are read using a microfiche or microscope.
Image analysis may be done with specialized software to obtain precise measurements.
Two readers age scales separately.
Separate readers compare differences.
Ages are validated using known marks, such as coded wire tags.