Juvenile River Herring Age and Growth (Otolith Analysis)
This research is investigating differential growth patterns among groups of anadromous juvenile river herring. Students will participate in laboratory processing and analysis of fish ear bones (otoliths) to determine age, hatch dates, and growth rates of young of the year river herring captured from lakes and coves in Massachusetts, Connecticut and Maine. Specifically, students will use images of otoliths to age fish (# days) using freely available image processing software remotely.
Provides a hands-on learning experience in an active lab setting working with photos to learn aging techniques of otoliths while contributing data to numerous research projects. Techniques and experiences learned while working with the lab can be applied to various other projects throughout the participant's career, and may be great resume builders. Opportunities for independent research projects may also be available for motivated candidates.