20/04/2017 (Agence Europe) – The European Commission opened a call for tenders on 15 April to conclude a service contract to produce a validated method for the age determination of hake (Merluccius merluccius) and two anglerfish species (Lophius piscatorius and Lophius budegassa) in the north-east Atlantic. The objective is to develop improved growth models to inform length-based assessments for the stocks concerned, with a view to improving scientific advice in respect of common fisheries policy objectives. This will be achieved through the production of a validated and objective method for age determination for these species using microchemistry techniques and subsequent statistical analysis. (LC)