Thumbnail Image

Handbook on fish age determination: a Mediterranean experience

Copyright licence

Year of publication 2019

Place of publication Rome, Italy ;

Pages 192 p.

Author Carbonara, P. ; Follesa, M.C. (eds.)

Publisher FAO ;

Product type Book (series)

Category Handbook

ISBN 978-92-5-131176-9

Series title Studies and reviews (General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean)

Series number No. 98

Edition 1

Synopsis (short abstract) Fish age, among other biological parameters, is one of the most relevant pieces of data in reaching sustainable exploitation of fishery resources. Indeed, most analytical methods used in stock assessment require knowledge of demographic structure according to the age of stocks, as well as to recruitment, growth, maturity, natural mortality, etc., which are strictly linked to information on age and age structure. The literature on ageing analysis shows some gaps regarding ageing schemes, criteria and methodologies used in preparing calcified structures. These aspects affect both the precision and accuracy of age estimation. One action that could be taken to overcome this gap was to formalize a handbook that clarified approaches to ageing schemes, criteria and preparation methods. Having a common protocol is fundamental to decreasing relative/absolute bias associated with the activities of age determination and to improving the precision (reproducibility and reduction of the coefficient of variation) of age readers from the various laboratories. In the light of these considerations, this handbook aims to be a guideline to standardizing the methods used in fish ageing studies. The document is focused on a description of the general principles on which age analysis relies (assignment of birth date, preparation methods, aging scheme reading and identification of true and false rings). Moreover, common shared analysis methods can enable a high level of calibration among the diverse institutes involved, thus improving the quality and reliability of results. The volume is subdivided into five main sections: Small Pelagic Species, Demersal Species, Cartilaginous Species, Large Pelagic Species and the European Eel. For each section, information on extraction and storage, preparation method, interpretation of age (age scheme) and ageing criteria are provided by species. In total, 30 species were analysed: 6 small pelagic, 12 demersal, 5 cartilaginous, 6 large pelagic and the European eel. These species represent some of the most important fish from an economic and ecological point of view. Thus this volume represents one of the most complete outlooks for fish ageing analysis in the Mediterranean context.

Read on Google Books and buy online

Language English

Also available in:
No results found.

Related items

Showing items related by metadata.

  • Thumbnail Image
    Book (series)
    Manual / guide
    Allocated zones for aquaculture - A guide for the establishment of coastal zones dedicated to aquaculture in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea 2019
    Also available in:
    No results found.
    This guide is a collection of concepts and practical information aimed at facilitating the establishment of allocated zones for aquaculture (AZAs) in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea. It provides detailed information on the process involved in the establishment of an AZA and it is intended as a practical and comprehensive tool to better understand site selection and planning for aquaculture. This publication first provides a brief overview of the international and regional context, and reviews the institutional and legal framework related to AZAs at various levels. Sequential explanations on the AZA establishment process as well as suggestions for the main steps are then presented. The step-by-step approach for the establishment of AZAs takes into account a number of specific aspects, such as geographic information system tools, exclusion criteria and stakeholder participation, the main actors to be involved, the role of relevant authorities in charge of geographical and/or marine aquaculture planning, statutory responsibilities, prevention and resolution of possible conflicts, and decision-making. The guide also describes the objectives and contents of AZA management plans and presents the parameters to be used as reference points for the AZA implementation. It is addressed to decision-makers from relevant bodies and administrations, governmental and non-governmental organizations, scientific research institutions, aquaculture producers and fishing communities, as well as other relevant stakeholders involved in aquaculture activities, coastal development, and in the use of the aquatic environment and resources.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Project
    Programme / project report
  • Thumbnail Image
    Book (series)
    Technical report
    Feasibility assessment for a database on socio-economic indicators for Mediterranean fisheries. 2001
    Also available in:
    This pilot study on the construction of socio-economic indicators was initiated by the Sub-Committee on Social Science, Scientific Advisory Committee, of the GFCM. It was carried out in collaboration with FAO/FIPP and COPEMED. The study focussed on a particular GFCM management unit, the Alboran Sea, in the hope that results would be applicable to other GFCM management units and the Mediterranean as a whole. Although the research team encountered difficulties in terms of non-availability of cert ain data and delays in the development of sampling schedules, the study was useful in demonstrating the possibilities of developing indicators and of their application for building an understandting of main socio-economic trends within a Mediterranean fisheries management unit.
Show more

Users also downloaded

Showing related downloaded files

  • Thumbnail Image
    Document
    Other document
    中国的粮食和农业生物学多样性国家报告 2019
    Also available in:
    No results found.
    These country reports are prepared as a contribution to the FAO publication, The State of the World’s Biodiversity for Food and Agriculture. The preparation of Country Reports provided an overview of existing information gaps and helped to establish a baseline information on biodiversity for food and agriculture. They also provided information on the role of biodiversity for food and agriculture in the provision of multiple ecosystem services. These country reports helped to address the following questions: • What is the state of the conservation and use of biodiversity for food security and nutrition, ecosystem services and sustainability? • What trends can be identified in the conservation and use of biodiversity for food and agriculture and in the effects of major drivers of change? • How can conservation and use of biodiversity for food and agriculture be improved and the contributions of biodiversity to food security and nutrition, ecosystem services, sustainability and the improvement of livelihoods of farmers, pastoralists, forest dwellers and fisher folk be enhanced?
  • Thumbnail Image
    Book (series)
    Yearbook
    World Food and Agriculture – Statistical Yearbook 2023 2023
    Also available in:
    No results found.
    This publication offers a synthesis of the major factors at play in the global food and agricultural landscape. Statistics are presented in four thematic chapters, covering the economic importance of agricultural activities, inputs, outputs and factors of production, their implications for food security and nutrition and their impacts on the environment. The Yearbook is meant to constitute a primary tool for policymakers, researchers and analysts, as well as the general public interested in the past, present and future path of food and agriculture.
  • Thumbnail Image
Show more