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:
![clean and mount](/sites/default/files/styles/max_2600x2600/public/2024-05/Method1.jpg?itok=LQmsCSTB)
FLHAP receives and organizes samples by species, objective, location, and collection method.
Scales are cleaned and mounted.
![pressed acetate](/sites/default/files/styles/max_2600x2600/public/2024-05/Method2_0.jpg?itok=JIgMyHUo)
Mounted scales are pressed into acetate using a heat press.
![microfiche reading](/sites/default/files/styles/max_2600x2600/public/2024-05/Method3.jpg?itok=KPiazWaY)
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.
![cwt validation](/sites/default/files/styles/max_2600x2600/public/2024-05/Method4_0.jpg?itok=FNNCfZJg)
Separate readers compare differences.
Ages are validated using known marks, such as coded wire tags.