Comparison of techniques used to age yellow perch in Southern Lake Michigan : an honors thesis (HONRS 499)

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Authors
May, Cassandra J.
Advisor
Lauer, Thomas E.
Issue Date
2005
Keyword
Degree
Thesis (B.?.)
Department
Honors College
Other Identifiers
Abstract

Previous ageing studies compared the precision of yellow perch (Perca flavescens) scales to otoliths and scales to opercles and in each study, scales were proven to be less precise. To date, a comparative study between yellow perch otoliths and opercles has not been undertaken. Therefore, the goal of our study was to compare ageing precision of opercles to otoliths, while establishing the best methodology to use for ageing otoliths. Opercles and otoliths were collected from 217 yellow perch in the summer of 2003 from three sites located in southern Lake Michigan. Opercles were read as whole structures, while otoliths were read whole, sectioned, and break and burn. All four methodologies were aged three times by three independent readers. Opercles, sectioned otoliths, and break and burn otoliths were found to be the most precise structures for aging. Further investigation into the ageing of yellow perch improves the efficiency and precision of the ageing process. As a result, better fisheries management practices can be utilized.