Abstract

Accurate age and growth models are some of the most important biological parameters needed for stock assessment and fishery management. However, assumptions regarding band pair deposition rates used for age and growth models are often being made without direct validation studies. As such, the purpose of this study is to validate vertebral band counts of three pelagic shark species tagged and recaptured in the eastern Pacific Ocean. Oxytetracycline (OTC) labeled vertebrae from each species was obtained from tag-recapture activities and is being processed to determine timing of centrum growth band deposition. Results from band counts of vertebrae distal to OTC marks indicate species-specific annual and biannual band pair deposition rates for sharks of the size range examined.

PDF Preview