Age estimation of barramundi (

The age of whole otoliths from barramundi (Lates calcarifer) obtained the southern Gulf Carpentaria were estimated using Fourier transform near-infrared (FT-NIR) spectroscopy. Otoliths 1716 collected in 2006, 2009 and 2012–2015 used this study. Partial least-squares regression models (PLS-R) multiple linear (MLR) developed diffuse reflectance spectra was traditional sectioned otoliths. Calibration built up over consecutive years (2012–2015) by a subset samples to predict remaining following year. Results suggest that when seasonal (temporal) variability is incorporated into calibration model, FT-NIR has ability (validation R2 ranged 0.73 0.78; RMSEP 6.92 7.64 months). predicted class within 1 year reference 96% samples. These also able 2006 2009, which retrieved long-term storage 0.77 0.84; 8.66 10.88 results study have shown potential for be aged quickly accurately FT-NIR.