Report of the ICES/NAFO Workshop on Greenland halibut age determination

In the 83rd Statutory Meeting of ICES in 1995 it was decided that:
2:37 - A Joint ICES/NAFO Workshop on Greenland halibut age reading (Chairmen: K. Nedreaas, Norway, and W.R. Bowering, Canada) will meet in Reykjavik, Iceland from 26-29 November 1996 to:
a) intercalibrate the age reading and age determination methodology of Greenland halibut and describe a protocol for handling Greenland halibut otoliths;
b) evaluate research from comparative age determinations and evaluate results using the methods described by the Working Group on Sampling Strategies for Age and Maturity;
c) establish a protocol for the age determination of otoliths using diagrams and photographs to illustrate age reading criteria;
d) establish a Greenland halibut otolith exchange programme on a regular basis between laboratories involved;
e) in the light of the Workshop results, identify new research and action needed to improve the consistency of age reading.