An Integrated System for Production Fish Aging: Image Analysis and Quality Assurance

There is an increasing demand for aging data to provide inputs to stock assessment models for management of exploited fish populations. Image analysis software and computer hardware allow more rapid processing of samples and data. This paper describes a fully integrated system that has been in operation for 5 years and has been used to provide age estimates for more than 150 species. The system combines the requirements of high‐quality “production” aging with the benefits of a customized image analysis system. The system improves the work environment, increases efficiency, aids data collection, and improves quality control. All aging studies require unbiased and precise age estimates; however, the ongoing process of production aging has particular requirements for quality assurance. A classification of aging studies is proposed based on objectives of the study, and the features and key procedural requirements of each study type are described.