Age and Growth of Fishes: Principles and Techniques

Estimating age structure of fish populations and growth of individuals is fundamental to evaluating fish population demographics and dynamics. This text provides a comprehensive overview of concepts and techniques associated with estimating age and growth of fishes. Although the material presented in the book is applicable to systems around the world, the primary focus is on post-larval fish in North American freshwater systems. The book is organized into four sections. Chapters in the first section (Chapters 1–2) provide an overview of the history and importance of age and growth information, as well as an introduction to how calcified structures grow. The second section (Chapters 3–5) focuses on validation and verification of structures, choice of structures, and sampling considerations. The third section (Chapters 6–9) provides a discussion of the most common structures used to estimate the age of fish. The last section (Chapters 10–12) details methods for data summarization and analysis. This book is intended for practicing fisheries managers, researchers, and graduate and advanced undergraduate students.