Trout fish in Michigan, like the majestic 62-year-old Mary Catherine who was killed in 2023,  are losing their lives for the sake of science. In a needless act of cruelty, her ears were cut out, and tragically, we will never know how many more years she had left. How long can these beautiful creatures actually live? The current method of determining a fish's age by removing its otolith ear bones is not only inhumane but also scientifically unnecessary.  Email them here.

There exist humane alternatives, such as scale biopsy, a method that does not end the fish's life but still provides accurate age determination. This method ensures that we can continue to learn about the life span of these aquatic creatures without resorting to lethal means.

Otolith aging leads to the unnecessary death of countless fish each year, which disrupts ecosystems and diminishes our understanding of fish longevity. With advancements in cruelty-free science, there's no need to cling to outdated and harmful techniques when there are more ethical options available.

Switching to scale biopsy and other non-lethal aging methods would protect fish populations and promote ethical research. By adopting these alternatives, we can not only improve fish welfare but also enhance the quality of our scientific endeavors.

Join us in urging scientists and researchers to abandon the practice of otolith ear bone aging. Your support can help shift scientific approaches to more humane methods and ensure the preservation of our precious aquatic life. Please sign this petition to demand a change.