West Coast Groundfish Observer Program Manual, Part2 - NOAA

CHAPTER 6
9. Record the weight, sex, length, and species of the
fish on the Biospecimen Form. Also record a
Dissection Type of “1” for otoliths and record the
bar code number from the otolith vial.
The Horizontal Cut
Step 1: Make a horizontal cut
that will pass right above the eye
and up to the preoperculum.
Then start right above the
preoperculum and slice down
until you meet with the other cut.
Step 2: Remove the top of
the head. You should see
the brain.
Step 3: The otoliths are in
cavities under and to either
side of the brain. Lift the
brain tissue up and out of
your way. The otoliths should
lie right underneath.
Cut 1
Cut 2
Preoperculum
Eye
Preoperculum
Brain
Otolith
Cavity
Operculum
Figure 6- 10: Horizontal Cut Method
1/30/2004 6-27