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Last updated 25 November 2009 Otoliths ("earstones") are small, white structures found in the head of all fishes other than sharks, rays and lampreys. Otoliths provide a sense of balance to fish in much the same way that the inner ear provides balance in humans. Fish otoliths also aid in hearing. To the fisheries biologist, the otolith is one of the most important
tools for understanding the life of fish and fish
populations. Growth rings (annuli) not unlike those of a tree record
the age and growth of a fish from the date of hatch to the time of
death. Daily growth rings formed in the first year of life, and visible
only through a microscope, record daily age and growth patterns in
surprising detail. And sophisticated chemical techniques allow the
reconstruction of everything from the year of hatch, to migration
pathways, to the temperature of the water. Indeed, virtually the
entire lifetime of the fish is recorded in the otolith. For that reason,
otoliths are used and studied in almost every fisheries laboratory in
the world. They also make ideal class or science projects, suitable
for both high school and supervised elementary school students.
The Otolith Research Laboratory at the Bedford Institute of
Oceanography is responsible for developing new and better methods
for interpreting and using otoliths in studies of fish, fish populations
and fish stock assessments. We are
involved in many aspects of otolith research, from routine age
determinations to the latest advances in isotope dilution ICPMS.
The sidebar provides links to more detailed descriptions of our
work.
Dr. Steven E. Campana Cliquez ici pour la version française
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