Workshop “Preparation and Reading of Cuttlefish (Dosidicus gigas) Statoliths”
April 10th, 2025
Statoliths are calcareous structures located in the cranial region of cephalopods and are composed of calcium carbonate (aragonite and calcite). These structures allow the age of individuals to be determined through the formation of daily microincrements present in their microstructure.
Between March 24th and 28th, the workshop “Preparation and Reading of Cuttlefish (Dosidicus gigas) Statoliths” was successfully held. This activity is part of the Biological Study Program for Cuttlefish in Chile in Non-Fishing Sectors, with an emphasis on renewal and growth rates, complementary to the studies carried out in the monitoring project. The project is funded by UNDP and implemented by IFOP.
The workshop was led by Dr. Zhanna Shcherbich, Scientific Officer of the Falkland Islands Fisheries Department, and was attended by five researchers from the Age and Growth Section.
During the week, presentations were made on the progress of sampling and the work achieved in the aforementioned project. Dr. Shcherbich gave a theoretical lecture, although the focus was strongly on the practical processes of preparing and polishing adult cuttlefish statoliths.
Mg. Guillermo Moyano, senior researcher and project participant, commented that the experience was very enriching for the section, as they learned and performed specific statolith preparation techniques, which will allow them to expand the section’s studies to other species. Regarding the progress made in the practical workshop, she indicated that 100 statoliths were correctly mounted, a key stage in the preparation process. In addition, 40 statoliths were polished, achieving a high level of resolution of the daily microincrements, allowing for precise age estimates of the individuals. Each of the analyzed samples was reviewed and validated by the international expert.
To conclude the workshop, a keynote address entitled “Approaches and challenges to studying age and growth of Dosidicus gigas (Ommastrephidae)” was given on March 28th in the Auditorium of the Faculty of Sciences at PUCV. The presentation was attended by professionals from IFOP, the UNDP, and researchers in the area of age and growth at the Pontifical Catholic University of Valparaíso.
Mg. Karen Belmar, a semi-senior researcher and project leader, stated the following: “Dr. Shcherbich’s presence and experience were key to improving the work that had been carried out since the beginning of the project. The researchers trained in the workshop have an excellent foundation to ensure the work carried out was as successful as possible. We are very pleased with the progress made.”