Official Site of The State of New Jersey
NJDEP Marine Fisheries Administration collects biological samples from important finfish species to gather vital data about each species life history. Various structures from fish can help scientists understand aspects such as age, growth, genetics, and predator-prey relationships. This data allows managers calculate maturity rates, determine origination locations, and how different species interact with their environment for better understanding of the ecosystem.
SAMPLE TYPES:
- AGE: Otoliths, scales, opercula, and spines are options to obtain for scientists to analyze the structure for estimating the age of an individual fish.
- LENGTHS AND WEIGHTS: Fork length and total lengths are collected to help understand the dynamics of populations.
- DIET: Stomachs are collected for diet composition analysis to better understand how different species interact with their ecosystem.
- GENETICS: Fin clips are collected for tracking movements of populations up and down the Atlantic coast.
