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Most of us have caught a fish and wondered how old it is. Apart from satisfying anglers' curiosity, finding out how old fish are plays an important role in fisheries science and management.

There are methods used by DPI/Fisheries scientists and researchers to determine fish age and the process starts by removing the fish's ear bones, which are known as otoliths.

These hard, bony structures sit behind the fish's eye directly below the brain and help the fish orientate themselves and maintain balance.

New layers are laid down around the otolith at different rates as the fish grows and this leaves light and dark bands, similar to growth rings on a tree.

Once an otolith is removed, it's usually sectioned to provide an accurate reading. The otolith is set in a resin block and then cut into very thin layers or sections that are polished before viewed under a microscope so the growth rings can be counted.

The Research Angler Program (RAP) works with anglers from across the state to collect frames of recreationally important species including mulloway, kingfish, snapper, dusky flathead, tailor and bream.

Check out https://bit.ly/2jDuviN to find out how you can donate your fish frames to accurately age your captures.