Fish age estimation is a fundamental component for fisheries management, but validation of the accuracy of age estimates is challenging, time consuming, and often not feasible

Furthermore, known age reference collections are limited and not publicly available, limiting the ability to train new fisheries professionals. Collectively, this GAP in knowledge and opportunity may continue to foster poor age estimation practices and lead to widespread mismanagement for both exploited fisheries and native species in need of conservation. We propose to push our profession s collective knowledge forward through the creation of a user friendly application that will truly advance the science of fish age estimation. We conducted a preliminary survey to document need for the project and availability of known age structures. Survey results indicated overwhelming support for the creation of an online repository and confirmed the availability of known age structures from over 40 freshwater species. This proposal aims to fund activities centered around the collection and processing of known age fish structures, the creation of a new online repository, and website functions that will lead to the training and testing of individuals or agencies in age estimation. Specifically, our project will deliver a publicly available website with access to digital imagery of known age fish structures that will benefit a wide spectrum of both aspiring and experienced fisheries biologists.