Equipment and Techniques: Age Determination Methods for Northwest Atlantic Species

Equipment and Techniques

J. Penttila, F. Nichy, J. Ropes, L. Dery, and A. Jearld, Jr.

Collection and storage

The primary sources of age samples processed by the Fishery Biology Program are Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC) research vessel bottom trawl and shellfish resource surveys and commercial landings. Additional samples are periodically collected during various state-conducted research surveys and by fisheries observers who serve aboard domestic and foreign fishing vessels.

Scales and otoliths are the anatomical structures most frequently collected from finfish. Scales are preferred because they are easier to collect and process, providing, of course, that clearly defined growth patterns are consistently formed. Young-of-year specimens and samples of certain species with fragile or difficult to remove age structures, e.g., Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus) and Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus), are frozen whole for later dissection and processing at the laboratory. Other structures, such as fin rays or vertebrae, may also be collected and used for special studies, such as age validation.

While scales are the easiest structure to collect, they must be taken from an area on the fish known to exhibit complete and clear growth patterns. For gadids and flounders, this area is on either side of the lateral line anterior to the caudal peduncle, the area where the first and largest scales develop. For other species, such as bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix), black sea bass (Centropristis striata), weakfish (Cynoscion regalis) and scup (Stenotomus chrysops), scales are removed from the area behind the pectoral fin where the largest scales are located. The area is first cleaned with a dull knife from the head towards the tail of the fish to remove adhering slime and debris. The knife is then cleaned and used to remove a sample of scales by scraping firmly towards the head of the fish. The knife blade with adhering scales is then placed between the sheets of a folded paper liner in an envelope and wiped clean of the scales.

Otoliths are removed by dissection of the head of the fish with a sharp knife or bone saw. Usually only sagittal otoliths, the largest of the three pairs found in the sacculi of the inner ear located posterior to the brain, are removed for examination. Otoliths to be stored dry are removed from the sacculi before being placed in an envelope. For some species (e.g., Atlantic mackerel, alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus) and Atlantic herring), otoliths are stored for one or two days in water-filled vials after dissection, since they require careful cleaning under a microscope at the laboratory.

The following information is recorded on the envelope for each specimen sampled on resource surveys: cruise, station, species code, length, and an individual identification number which acts as a link between the age sample and other detailed biological information collected from the specimen. Corresponding information for specimens collected from commercial sources includes: vessel name, date, statistical reporting area, latitude and longitude of the tow from which the sample was collected (if available), port of landing, tow depth, gear, sampling method, species code, market category, length and sex.

Atlantic surfclams (Spisula solidissima) and ocean quahogs (Arctica islandica) collected during NEFSC surveys are shucked at sea. Whole paired valves are stored in cloth bags with labels identifying the station location, date, and number of specimens. To minimize valve damage, small specimens are frozen whole for later processing at the laboratory.

Preparation of age structures - General

The following are general descriptions of methods for preparation of structures commonly used for age determination by the Fishery Biology Program. Other techniques, such as staining, may be used for special studies but are not presented in detail here. Modifications of certain techniques for particular species are described where appropriate. A complete list of equipment used, with specifications and possible commercial suppliers, is given in Appendix I.

Most of the procedures currently in use for finfish were originally developed in the early 1970s. From 1970 to 1975, numerous experiments were conducted to develop methods to enhance otolith growth patterns by heating (e.g., burning, "deep frying" in hot oil, and baking in toaster and microwave ovens). Baking otoliths has proven to be best for our purposes since colorization of the protein matrix comprising hyaline zones is permanent with this technique. Nichy's experiments with various plastics from 1972 to 1974 led to the use of laminated plastic for making scale impressions. Other experiments from 1972 to 1974 with low-speed saws and a variety of blades led to development of procedures for thin-sectioning otoliths.

Preparation of age structures - Scales

Age determinations using scales may be made from direct observations, scale impressions, or photographs. Direct observation of scales is rarely used however, since the scales are often covered with debris or dried and pigmented residue. In addition, they are generally translucent because of their thickness, internal structure, and coloration, which render growth zones difficult to interpret with transmitted light. Also, scales are not flat, resulting in uneven light diffraction and distortion of the image during microscopic examination.

Scale impressions in laminated plastic film are generally most useful. Cellulose acetate plastics are avoided since they require heat or chemicals to soften the surface for adequate scale impressions. However, studies of fish species with thick scales (e.g., striped bass) may require the use of the heavier cellulose acetate plastic. Several types of laminated plastic film, consisting of a thin, soft polyethylene or surlyn layer over a thicker, harder vinyl or polyester substrate, are simpler to use and produce consistent results for most species. Representative compositions are as follows (from Dery 1983):

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Any of the laminated plastics listed in the table (above) produce impressions of scale surface features, but those having a middle layer of saran and a surface layer of polyethylene are generally superior.

Scale impressions have several advantages over the direct observation of scales. They may be viewed by either transmitted or reflected light, and several scales may be impressed at the same time on one slide allowing for the selection of scales with the clearest features. The impressions are clean, even if the original scale used was not, and are easily stored and handled. The image of the scale is also flatter than the original scale and minimal depth-of-focus distortions at high magnification are encountered. Impressions are fairly easy to prepare and simplify the handling of a large number of specimens.

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Scale impressions are prepared by placing several scales, sculptured side up, on a heavy base slide of 1 mm thick (0.04 in) cellulose acetate plastic. A laminated plastic slide, with the soft side down, is then placed over the scales (Figure 1). Another heavy plastic slide (0.65-1.00 mm thick) is placed on top of the laminated plastic slide, and the whole "sandwich" of slides is rolled through a jeweler's press (Figure 2). The two heavy acetate slides act as cushions to equalize pressure over the thin and thick areas of the scales, resulting in a uniform impression. The scales are then removed from the plastic slide and the impression is stored in the original specimen envelope. The impressing procedure must be done in one smooth, continuous motion to avoid distortion of the impression. The two rollers of the press must be carefully adjusted to obtain a complete, clear impression. The upper roller of the press is usually canted slightly for impressing ctenoid scales. This applies slightly more pressure to the thin anterior edge of the scale. Also, two laminated slides may be used to " sandwich" very small scales, if it is difficult to distinguish between the sculptured and smooth sides.

Preparation of age structures - Otoliths

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Otolith preparation for microscopic examination includes whole, baked and broken, or thin cross-sectioned specimens. Species specific methodology has been developed and is described more fully in the individual species sections of the manual.

Whole otoliths are viewed microscopically in ethyl alcohol or placed in depressions of black plastic trays. Embedding in resin improves contrast and enhances detection of growth zones under reflected light. Whole otoliths of some short-lived species such as butterfish (Peprilus triacanthus) are examined unmounted in ethyl alcohol since they are thin enough for detection of early annuli and prominent, widely spaced later annuli. Pairs of otoliths from pelagic species as Atlantic mackerel and Atlantic herring are positioned in circular depressions in black molded plastic trays (Watson 1965) and embedded in Permount or clear fiberglass resin (Figure 3). Permount may in time react with the molded plastic, producing air bubbles, "yellowing," or crystallization. Application of a few drops of xylene solvent removes air bubbles and stabilizes the resin for permanent storage. Fiberglass casting resin will not adhere to molded plastic, but may be used with other materials such as a high-density acrylic.

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Currently, only Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) otoliths are baked, a process that takes from 3 to 6 minutes in a scientific radiant heat oven at about 275°C (525°F). Small otoliths tend to require more baking than large otoliths, possibly the result of their rapid growth and greater diffusion of protein. Properly baked otoliths are a caramel color; a grey or ashen color is an indication of overbaking, which may cause the otolith to crumble when broken at the nucleus. Visibility of the annuli is enhanced by baking, since the hyaline zones turn brown in contrast to the white opaque zones. Burned otoliths may fade with time, but baked otoliths remain unchanged even after storage for several years.

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Otoliths are thin-sectioned on an Isomet low-speed saw (Nichy 1977) using a pair of fine-grit diamond-impregnated blades separated by a spacer approximating the desired thickness of the section (Figure 4). Sectioning is accomplished by mounting the otolith on a small cardboard tag bearing crosslines that facilitate proper alignment. Otoliths of most species are positioned to obtain a transverse cross-section across the collum of the sulcus (Figure 5). A small piece of double-sided tape covers the crosslines at the center of the tag and secures the otolith in the proper alignment for sectioning. Some species have fragile otoliths and the sections break easily. For these, a bed of molten wax is flooded onto the tag and the otolith is positioned on the wax bed before it hardens completely. The wax is heated in a double boiler, egg poacher, or other suitable container, on an adjustable-temperature hot plate at approximately 115°C (240°F). The otolith is then completely embedded in a mixture of four parts molten paraffin wax, one part decolorizing carbon (enough to just turn the wax black), and three parts calcium oxide powder (enough bulk to prevent the wax from running and to provide additional abrasive action during sectioning). Only a thin layer of wax covering the otolith is required. After the wax has hardened, the tag is inserted in a custom-machined slotted holder on the saw which aligns the otolith for cross-sectioning by the blades (Figure 6).

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The saw's micrometer adjustment may be used for final alignment to produce a precision cut. Two 7.6 cm (3 in) diameter blades separated by a 6.35 cm (2.5 in) plastic or metal spacer are mounted on the saw unit to produce a thin-section with one cut. Spacer thickness varies from 0.015 to 0.030 mm (0.006 to 0.012 in) depending on the viewing requirements for age marks in the section. The diameter of the spacer is normally the same, or slightly smaller, than the flanges supporting the two blades.

The saw is operated at 300 rpm and the otolith is gently lowered onto the spinning blades with their rims immersed in a lubricating/cooling solution of 15 parts cold water to 1 part wetting agent. We have found clear, common liquid dishwashing detergent suitable. (If foaming is excessive, the amount of detergent may be decreased.) The detergent solution also washes away particles of wax from the blade surfaces. A balancing weight is used on the saw arm that is light enough to keep sectioning time between 1 and 2 minutes. This also prevents blade warping. An automatic shut-off on the saw is adjusted to turn off the saw once the otolith is cut but before the tag itself is cut.

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After completing a section, the tag is removed from the slotted holder and bent along the cuts (Figure 7) to expose the section for removal and placement on a small square of black construction paper. It is folded inside a protective piece of paper, and returned to the specimen envelope with the cut otolith remaining on the tag. Preparation and sectioning of an otolith generally takes about 2 to 3 minutes.

Preparation of age structures - Bivalves

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Age determinations of Atlantic surfclams are made from thin sections of chondrophores (Ropes and O'Brien 1979). For large surfclams, a portion of the chondrophore is first excised using a pair of 25.4 cm (10 in) diameter diamond-impregnated sawblades spaced 4 mm apart and mounted in a high-speed (1725 rpm) saw unit (Figure 8); those of small surf clams are excised using 10-13 cm (4-5 in) diameter blades and a low-speed (300 rpm) saw to minimize breakage. The excised portion is broken away from the valve by finger pressure. Accurate age determination depends upon careful orientation of the valve during excision of the chondrophore so that the excised portion contains the umbo, the earliest formed portion of the valve (Figure 9).

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After minor polishing on carbide paper to flatten the surface and remove saw marks, the excised portion is glued to a glass slide using epoxy cement and thin-sectioned by a single blade on the low-speed saw (Figure 10). An acceptable section is about 0.25 mm thick and takes less than 15 minutes to cut. Surf clams have a chondrophore in each valve of a pair, so the second valve may be processed if the first does not produce a suitable thin-section.

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Age determinations for ocean quahogs are made from acetate peels (Ropes 1987). The left valve is used since it has a single prominent tooth in the hinge containing annuli which can be exposed by sectioning. The valve is marked on the ventral margin at a point from the posterior end equal to one-third of the valve length (Figure 11). This orients sectioning through the umbo and parallel to the broadest tooth surface. The valve is fastened to the adjustable arm holder of an Isomet low-speed saw with its concave, inner surface toward a diamond-impregnated sawblade. The valve is oriented so that the cut is made from the ventral margin through the middle of the tooth, or beside the posterior edge of the tooth for small valves (Figure 12). The anterior end of the valve is saved for subsequent processing. The cut surfaces are immersed in full strength household bleach for removal of the periostracum.

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An epoxy resin with a colored pigment is used to support the valves during subsequent polishing. The mixed epoxy is poured into molds to a depth of about 5 mm and the sectioned valve is lowered cut-surface-down into a mold (Figure 13). After an overnight hardening period, three successively finer grits (240, 400, and 600) of carbide paper are used for grinding to expose the cut valve surface, followed by polishing with a vibrating lap machine, to obtain a blemish-free high-gloss surface. Treatment with a 1% hydrochloric acid solution for 1 minute etches the valve surface. Acetate peels are then made by applying an acetate sheet (0.013 mm (0.005 in) thick) over the etched block surface after flooding it with acetone. After a l-hour drying period, the acetate is peeled off and sandwiched between glass slides for examination under a compound light microscope.

Methods of examination

Appendix II contains detailed information on equipment mentioned in this section and possible commercial suppliers.

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Scale impressions are generally viewed using microprojectors (Figures 14 and 15) however, microfiche readers are an acceptable alternative (Figure 16) with transmitted light at magnifications of 20x to 52x, depending on the size of the scales.

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Otoliths are examined under binocular stereomicroscopes with a reflected light illuminator inclined at 45-60 degrees at magnifications of 10x to 65x (Figure 17). Under reflected light, winter (hyaline) zones appear dark and summer (opaque) zones are white. Polarizing filters may be used to reduce glare and enhance contrast. Growth patterns of otoliths or sections are also enhanced by applying wetting agents, such as Kodak Photo-Flo 200, alcohol, glycerin, or clove oil. Whole, individual otoliths are placed in black plastic or clear glass holders with a black base or background and then immersed in the wetting agent for viewing. Embedded otoliths are viewed in the trays with no additional preparation. Broken otolith halves are either hand-held under the microscope or are temporarily mounted in a piece of soft, black plasticene. Otolith thin-sections may be placed on small squares of black construction paper for examination. A wetting agent flooded onto the surface soaks into the paper providing the necessary background contrast.

Thin-sectioned chondrophores from surf clams are examined microscopically using transmitted light. The annuli are translucent and in sharp contrast to opaque growth increments.

Acetate peels of ocean quahogs are sandwiched between glass slides for examination under a light compound microscope with transmitted light. Annuli appear as dark lines curving down from exit locations at the valve surface toward the umbo; growth increments, which are most evident in the early ontogeny of a specimen, have a lightly textured, granular and homogeneous appearance.

A binocular stereomicroscope with dual-viewing heads (Figure 18) may be used for viewing various age structures. Digital image analysis systems equipped with large viewing monitors are also used extensively (Figure 19). Such systems are very useful for training personnel and resolving age determination of difficult specimens. While the Program does not utilize these systems for routine ageing, they are very useful during sample exchanges in that ageing structures may be easily measured and images may be annotated and exchanged via the Internet.

Interpretation and conventions - Overview

In temperate-zone waters, both fish and shellfish species exhibit seasonal growth patterns indicative of age. Generally, growth is rapid during warm "summer" months, and slow during cold "winter" months. One year of growth consists of one summer zone plus one winter zone. The annulus is usually defined as the winter zone. Summer and winter growth zones differ in appearance, thus providing the basis for age determinations. Length proportional to the growth of the age structure is used as a basis for empirical relationships.

By convention, a  January 1 birthdate is assigned to nearly all species in the Northern Hemisphere (exceptions to this rule are given in the individual species descriptions). This means that a winter growth zone forming on the edge of the age structure is designated as an annulus on January 1, even though the zone may not complete.

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Figure 21.

Growth patterns on age structures and growth rates often vary geographically. Growth is generally faster in the southern portion of our study area and slower in the northern portion. Sedentary species tend to show greater geographical variations than migratory species. Geographical patterns are discussed in greater detail under the individual species descriptions.

Certain areas on age structures are preferred for interpretation because the annuli are more distinct or have fewer visible checks. The best area is dependent on the species being examined. Regenerated scales (Figure 20) or crystallized otoliths (Figure 21) cannot be used for age determination.

Problems in age determination occur because of deviations in growth patterns. These may result from checks or split annuli occurring in the age structure. Such accessory zones must be recognized as anomalies when assigning an age to a specimen. A knowledge of typical growth patterns helps in distinguishing checks from annuli. Checks tend to be discontinuous, weak or diffuse, and inconsistent with the general growth pattern of true annular zones.

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Checks most often occur during periods of rapid growth and are especially common at younger ages. Some may be due to changes in food habits (e.g., a "settling check" forms when some young fish settle to the bottom and begin feeding). Maturation, migration, summer aestivation, or spawning may also cause checks. Some species exhibit distinctive checks typical for certain geographical locations.

Another common problem occurs because of atypical edge growth. For a specimen showing winter edge type in August, a determination must be made as to whether summer growth is retarded (in which case the winter edge zone would be counted as an annulus) or winter growth is advanced (in which case the zone would not be counted), or a check is being formed.

A major problem in assigning age is the determination of the first annulus. Knowledge of the geographic spawning times of a given species helps in determining if the first annulus is expected to be very small. Such annuli consist of minimal growth around the nucleus of an otolith or focus of a scale. For other fish, the first winter zone is expected to be some distance from the nucleus or focus.

Whenever possible, each specimen is examined independently by two age readers, to prevent long-term deviations in results. The standard practice followed in the Fishery Biology Program involves the assignment of two age readers to each species. The First Age Reader has primary responsibility for assuring that samples are processed and aged according to specific time tables and that resulting age data are processed and summarized. The responsibilities of the Second Age Reader include re-ageing a random selection of approximately 20% of the samples aged by the First Reader (up to 100% during the first year the team is formed), re-ageing those samples identified by the First Reader as being difficult to age, and providing backup support. Percent agreement between the two readings must be maintained at better than 85-90% for all species. Regular review of reference collections and comparisons of summaries of age-length data from one season to the next also help maintain accuracy and precision in age determinations.

References

Dery, L. M. 1983. Use of laminated plastic to impress fish scales. Prog. Fish-Cult. 45(2): 88-89.

Nichy, F. E. 1977. Thin sectioning fish ear bones. Sea Technol. 2:27.

Ropes, J.W. 1987. Preparation of acetate peels of valves from the ocean quahog, Arctica islandica, for age determinations. NOAA Tech. Rep. NMFS 50, NOAA, Natl. Mar. Fish. Serv., Seattle, WA 98115, 5 p.

Ropes, J.W., and L. O'Brien. 1979. A unique method of ageing surf clams. Bull. Am. Malacol. Union Inc p. 58-61.

Watson, J.E. 1965. A technique for mounting and storing herring otoliths. Trans. Am. Fish. Soc. 94(3):267-268.

Appendix I
Equipment and Supplies - Sample Processing

Sample Storage Envelopes

#1 ungummed, flap extended, coin envelopes - Available from Union Envelope Co. Richmond, VA; Crest Envelope 2125 Highlands S.E. Kentwood, MI 48508; or Massachusetts Envelope Co. 30 Cobblehill Rd. Somerville, MA 02143

Thin-sectioning

Isomet low-speed saw with swivel-arm assembly and flanges - Available from Buehler Ltd. 41 Waukegan Road P.O. Box I Lake Bluffs, IL 60044

• Specifications or model numbers: Isomet low-speed saw #11-1180; Swivel-arm assembly #11-1181; Chuck #11-1187; Flanges 2-1/2" diameter, recessed, set of two. #1180-S48

Diamond blades - Available from Norton Company Worcester, MA 06106 (also available through local distributors)

• Size and specifications of those currently used: FO565977 Norton Diamond blade 3 x 0.006 x 1/2 Type 1A1 Blueprint ME 120929 M4D 10/20M1-N50M9-1/8

Paraffin Wax - Available from local markets.

Dennison Marking Tags - white, No. 12-105-1 - Available from office supply stores.

Decolorizing carbon, Nuchar S-N (from coal) C-177 - Available from scientific equipment suppliers.

Calcium Oxide Powder, Technical C-114 - Available from scientific equipment suppliers.

Scotch double-sided tape - Available from office supply stores.

Glycerin - Available from chemical supply companies.

Clear, liquid dishwashing detergent - Available from local markets.

Adjustable-temperature hot plate Thermolyne, Type 1900, #HP-A1915B, 115V AC 700W - Available from scientific equipment suppliers.

Double boiler or egg poacher - Available from housewares stores.

Scale Impressing

Jeweler's press, flat rolling hand mill - Available from Wm. Dixon Company Carlstadt. NJ 07072

Cellulose Acetate Plastic, 0.040" thick, 22x52" sheets - Available from Commercial Plastics Co. 21 Main Street P.O. Box 24 Cherry Valley, MA 01611

Laminated plastic 

• Curform Grade 7781, 8.0 mil polyester/0.1 mil saran/1.25 mil polyethylene.
• Curform Grade 7770, 8.0 mil polyester/0.1 mil saran/0.75 mil surlyn.

Both available from Curwood Inc. 718 High Street New London, WI 54961

• Curlam Grade 7780, 7.5 mil polyvinyl chloride/2.0 mil surlyn.
• Curlam Grade 7710, 7.5 mil polyvinyl chloride/2.0 mil polyethylene.

Both available from Tenneco Chemicals Nixon Lane Nixon. NJ 08817

Otolith Embedding

Permount, SP15-500 - Available from Fisher Scientific and others.

Xylene X-5 - Available from Fisher Scientific and others.

Molded plastic otolith trays, 10 x 5, 1/16" circular depressions, jet black color - Available from Sheepscot Machine Works P.O. Box 406 Boothbay, ME 04537

Otolith Baking

Toaster oven (any type that will heat to 550F), or Scientific oven, Dryco 20W 115V, or other types may also be used. Available from Dryco Products Inc. 65-37 Fresh Meadow Lane Fresh Meadow. NY 11365

Bivalve Processing

Raytech 10' slab & trim saw, Model #AL-P105, catalogue #20-023 - Available from Raytech Industries, Inc. P.O. Box 6 Stafford Springs, CT 06075

Diamond blades - Available from Raytech Industries, Inc. P.O. Box 6 Stafford Springs, CT 06075

• For rough cuts: Red Blazer l0x028x038x5/8x1/2 Cat #33-090.
• For fine cuts: Red Blazer 4x012x020x1/2 4" diam. Cat #33-061, or Red Blazer 5x012x020x1/2 5" diam. Cat #33-069

Di-acetate sheets 19x24x0.005" thick for acetate peels - Available from Commercial Plastics and Supply Corp. 352 McGrath Highway Somerville, MA 02143

Epon 815 and DTA hardener - Available from Miller-Stephenson Chemical Co., Inc. P.O. Box 950 Danbury, CT 06810

Appendix II
Equipment and Supplies - Age Structure Examination

Microprojectors

Leitz TP 300 Contour Projector

• Contour bench projector with 12" diameter screen #900-377
• 20:1 objective magnification #851-515
• 50:1 objective magnification #851-516

Available from local Leitz distributors.

Microfiche reader #102568, ABR 914

• Dual lens accessory #123599
• Lens #123645 or #123462

Available from: Bell & Howell Company 45 4th Avenue Needham Heights, MA 02194

Microscopes - Available from local Leica, Olympus or other distributors.

Kodak Photo-Flo 200 Solution - Available from local photo supply stores.

Image Analysis Systems - We use Image-Pro software for our image analysis solutions. Media Cybernetics, Inc. 4340 East-West Hwy, Suite 400 Bethesda, MD

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) does not approve, recommend, or endorse any proprietary product or proprietary material mentioned in this publication. No reference shall be made to NMFS, or to this publication furnished by NMFS, in any advertising or sales promotion which would indicate or imply that NMFS approves, recommends, or endorses any proprietary product or proprietary material mentioned herein, or which has as its purpose or intent to cause directly or indirectly the advertised product to be used or purchased because of this NMFS publication.