3D Meshes Dataset of Sagittal Otoliths from 22 Fish Species in the English Channel and North Sea

This dataset provides high-resolution three-dimensional (3D) surface meshes of sagittal otoliths from 22 ecologically and commercially important fish species collected in the Eastern English Channel and the North Sea. Otoliths serve as vital biological archives, offering insights into fish age, growth patterns, environmental histories, and genetics. Unlike traditional morphological approaches, 3D geometric morphometric analyses enable detailed shape quantification critical for fisheries science and marine ecology. The primary aim of this dataset is to facilitate advanced, non-destructive morphometric analysis for species identification, stock discrimination, and assessments of environmental effects on otolith shape. By offering a standardized, publicly accessible resource, it supports improved fisheries management, ecological research, and conservation in the Northeastern Atlantic.