Alaska Groundfish Age-Length Map Tool
The Alaska Fisheries Science Center collects a variety of biological information during its fisheries surveys. This tool provides information on the ages and locations of fish caught during various years (1980-2015) of our groundfish trawl and acoustic surveys along the Alaska shelf.
Scientists in the Alaska Fisheries Science Center's Age and Growth Program collect a variety of information about fish that aids in the effective management of commercially-important fish stocks. We collect otoliths (a calcium carbonate structure in a fish's ear) from various fish species. Because otoliths have annual rings (like trees) we are able to determine the age of fish. Knowing how long fish live, the ages of various fish in a population, and how many there are in each age group is important for sustainable fisheries management.