Natural otolith microstructure patterns reveal precise homing to natal incubation sites by sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka)

Abstract

Experimental results suggest that anadromous salmon and trout learn (imprint) the odors of their natal site just prior to or during seaward migration. In contrast, information on the life histories of several species and the genetic structure of populations indicate that they must imprint earlier in life, probably during incubation in the gravel or when they emerge as free-swimming fry. To test the hypothesis that sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) home to their incubation-emergence sites (rather than just to the lake where they reared before migrating to sea), we took advantage of the natural variation in otolith microstructure caused by differences in thermal regimes during incubation. We collected otoliths from adult sockeye salmon that returned to discrete spawning areas in Iliamna Lake, Alaska, and Lake Washington, Washington, and, in blind trials, these were classified based on comparison with otoliths from juveniles from the same sites and using information on site-specific thermal regimes. Our analysis showed that the salmon were much more likely to return to their natal incubation site than would have occurred by chance. Estimated straying rates were about 0.1% from the Woody Island population to the Pedro Pond population in Iliamna Lake and about 1% from the Cedar River population to the Pleasure Point population in Lake Washington. The results were consistent with genetic evidence for fine-scale structure of salmon populations and with conservation based on spatial scales appropriate for the early life history of the fish.