TY - JOUR AU - Carbonara, Pierluigi AU - Zupa, Walter AU - Anastasopoulou, Aikaterini AU - Bellodi, Andrea AU - Bitetto, Isabella AU - Charilaou, Charis AU - Chatzispyrou, Archontia AU - Elleboode, Romain AU - Esteban, Antonio AU - Follesa, Maria Cristina AU - Isajlovic, Igor AU - Jadaud, Angélique AU - García-Ruiz, Cristina AU - Giannakaki, Amalia AU - Guijarro, Beatriz AU - Elias Kiparissis, Sotiris AU - Ligas, Alessandro AU - Mahé, Kelig AU - Massaro, Andrea AU - Medvesek, Damir AU - Mytilineou, Chryssi AU - Ordines, Francesc AU - Pesci, Paola AU - Porcu, Cristina AU - Peristeraki, Panagiota AU - Thasitis, Ioannis AU - Torres, Pedro AU - Spedicato, Maria Teresa AU - Tursi, Angelo AU - Sion, Letizia PY - 2019/12/30 Y2 - 2024/03/28 TI - Explorative analysis on red mullet (Mullus barbatus) ageing data variability in the Mediterranean JF - Scientia Marina JA - Sci. mar. VL - 83 IS - S1 SE - Articles DO - 10.3989/scimar.04999.19A UR - https://scientiamarina.revistas.csic.es/index.php/scientiamarina/article/view/1839 SP - 271-279 AB - The uncertainty in age estimation by otolith reading may be at the root of the large variability in red mullet (<em>Mullus barbatus</em>) growth models in the Mediterranean. In the MEDITS survey, red mullet age data are produced following the same sampling protocol and otolith reading methodology. However, ageing is assigned using different interpretation schemes, including variations in theoretical birthdate and number of false rings considered, in addition to differences in the experience level of readers. The present work analysed the influence of these variations and the geographical location of sampling on red mullet ageing using a multivariate approach (principal component analysis). Reader experience was the most important parameter correlated with the variability. The number of rings considered false showed a significant effect on the variability in the first age groups but had less influence on the older ones. The effect of the theoretical birthdate was low in all age groups. Geographical location had a significant influence, with longitude showing greater effects than latitude. In light of these results, workshops, exchanges and the adoption of a common ageing protocol based on age validation studies are considered fundamental tools for improving precision in red mullet ageing. ER -