Blue Marlin Age Estimates Using Bomb Radiocarbon Dating

Radiocarbon measurements from otoliths of four blue marlin, including one adult male and two juveniles, were analyzed to validate longevity estimates. The study used accelerator mass spectrometry on small otolith samples to estimate ages, with a key result suggesting a 1245 lb female was likely around 20 years old. The dataset was published by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and last updated in March 2026.

Use Cases

• Validate fish ageing methods based on bomb radiocarbon dating techniques described.
• Compare longevity estimates for blue marlin based on otolith chemical signatures.
• Study the relationship between fish size and age based on the 565 kg specimen data.
• Develop age estimation models for species with small otoliths, as mentioned in the description.

Strengths

• Includes data from a large, 565 kg female blue marlin, providing a rare sample.
• Uses modern bomb radiocarbon dating validated for the tropical Pacific Ocean.
• Contains information from four individuals, including adults and juveniles.

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• The dataset appears to be very small, focusing on only a few specimens.

Provenance

Source

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Department of Commerce

Collection Method

Radiocarbon (14C) analysis with accelerator mass spectrometry on otolith samples.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-03-14 22:59:11.354381; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Tropical Pacific Ocean (implied from bomb 14C signal reference).