Fish Ageing Lab

Overview

The study of temporal formation of hard tissues is called sclerochronology. The Fish Ageing Lab is a highly skilled internationally recognized research lab providing age analysis services to Fisheries and Oceans clients for the entire Pacific Region. It was formed in 1977 under the guidance and leadership of Dr. Richard Beamish and Ms. Doris Chilton. The team was recognized nationally in 2001 when they were presented with the Prix d’Excellence Award in Ottawa.

Determining the age of fish allows us to also determine size at age, age at first spawning, reproductive life span, maximum age, growth rates, mortality rates, and identify strong year classes.