Australian Scientists Develop First Practical Guide to Age Octopuses
The guide aims to ensure sustainable fishing practices by helping determine the age of octopuses, crucial for managing fisheries and conserving the species.
- Australian marine scientists have created the world's first practical guide to accurately age octopuses, a critical tool for sustainable fisheries management.
- The guide utilizes growth rings on octopuses' beaks and stylets to determine their age, aiding in the assessment of octopus populations.
- This new method is vital for preventing overfishing and ensuring octopuses reach breeding maturity before being caught.
- The research, published in the Marine and Freshwater Research Journal, was led by the University of South Australia with collaboration from the NSW Department of Primary Industries.
- An estimated 400,000 octopuses are harvested annually from around 90 countries, highlighting the need for effective management to prevent species decline.
Popular Science 
ScienceDaily 