Report of the Workshop on Age Estimation Methods of Deep Water Species (WKAMDEEP)

The WKAMDEEP met at IMEDEA (UIB/CSIC) in Esporles, Spain from 21 to 25 Octo-ber 2013 to review age determination methods and growth patterns of several deep-water fish species in order to pave the way for solid input data of future age-based assessments for these species.
The species dealt with by the Group were: tusk (Brosme brosme), ling (Molva molva), blue ling (Molva dypterygia), roundnose grenadier (Coryphaenoides rupestris), greater silver smelt (Argentina silus), black scabbardfish (Aphanopus carbo) and black-spotted sea bream (Pagellus bogaraveo).  
All relevant information was collated in species-specific annexes, in order to have a protocol which was easy to consult and use for each species. The main report sums up the discussions in the group and presents results from the small WebGr-exchanges of each species made prior to and during the meeting. The body of the re-port is found in the species-specific annexes, which describe the general biological knowledge of growth and longevity for each species, review available ageing protocols, identify any unresolved problems with interpretation and recommend future actions.