Use Of Otolith Microchemistry Research Articles

Spawning areas and migration patterns in the early life history of Squalius cephalus (Linnaeus, 1758): Use of otolith microchemistry for conservation and sustainable management

Abstract In the context of the River Rhône restoration programme, the objective of this study was to assess the dispersal and population connectivity of the European chub, Squalius cephalus (Linnaeus, 1758) in a section of the natural, free‐flowing part of the lower River Rhône. The elemental water signatures for Sr:Ca and Ba:Ca were measured at seven stations within the river section, including its tributaries and backwaters, to determine whether they could be differentiated by microchemistry. From August to October the signatures differed among three sectors of the study reach: the Rhône; the Ardèche; and the backwaters. The elemental signatures of the otoliths of 178 young‐of‐the‐year (YOY) chub from the stations were measured to assess spawning areas and identify early migratory life histories. Analyses of otolith microchemistry identified the natal origin of 95% of the fish. Sr:Ca signatures of otoliths showed early downstream migration for 30.4% of the YOY chub; however, 70% of the fish recruited relatively close to their spawning origin suggesting a potential inshore retention of fish. The results showed (i) a non‐negligible contribution of the tributaries and backwaters in the recruitment of fish into the main channel; and (ii) the ability of chub to migrate over several kilometres during their first few months of life. This study shows that the combination of water and otolith microchemistry analyses of fish growth increases the understanding of fish life history. Moreover, the study revealed that half of the YOY fish from this river section came from the tributaries and the other half came from reproduction in the River Rhône (despite its high anthropization). These methods offer promising future applications of otolith microchemistry for river management in the context of ecological rehabilitation, especially to assess the effectiveness of measures applied in the restoration of floodplain connectivity for riverine fish population conservation.

Use of otolith microchemistry to identify subbasin natal origin and use by invasive Lake Trout in Yellowstone Lake

Use of otolith microchemistry to identify subbasin natal origin and use by invasive Lake Trout in Yellowstone Lake

Use of otolith microchemistry to identify subbasin natal origin and use by invasive Lake Trout in Yellowstone Lake

Nonindigenous lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) expansion in Yellowstone Lake has led to a large decline in the native Yellowstone cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii bouvieri) population. We assessed whether otolith microchemistry could be used to identify subbasin natal origins and long-term use by lake trout as a potential tool for optimizing removal efforts. 87Sr:86Sr and Sr:Ca ratios in otolith cores were used to assess natal origins and 87Sr:86Sr ratios in otolith transects were used to assess movement patterns. Water chemistry was similar throughout the lake, ranging from 0.70634 to 0.70642 and 3.94 to 4.38 mmol/mol for 87Sr:86Sr and Sr:Ca ratios, respectively. Lake trout otoliths also showed little variation in 87Sr:86Sr and Sr:Ca ratios of the natal region and 87Sr:86Sr across otolith transects. Thus, we found that microchemical differences among Sr isotope and Sr:Ca elemental ratios in otoliths were insufficient to detect the natal origin or extensive within-lake movement that has been established from telemetry investigations. Detailed analysis of other elements or isotopes in hard-part microchemistry, in combination with other tools for detecting movement, may improve detection of natal origin and life history movement among fishes within freshwater lentic systems.

Tracing of aquaculture-escaped meagre Argyrosomus regius through otolith microchemistry

Escape incidents of farmed fish involve economic losses to fish farms, interactions with local fisheries and environmental impacts to coastal ecosystems. In order to ensure a sustainable aquaculture activity it is advisable to gather any kind of information about the escapees for further management strategies. In this study, we aimed to trace the life history of escaped meagre (Argyrosomus regius) through otoliths microchemistry, based on the assumption that escaped fish experience different environmental conditions once they are outside the net-pen compared to their farmed conspecifics. Strontium (Sr88) and barium (Ba138) composition was analyzed using laser-ablation ICP-MS along core-to-edge transects of right sagittal otoliths on escaped and farmed meagre from the same coastal area in the W-Mediterranean Sea. Overall, results showed similar patterns of Sr concentrations throughout the otolith transects between farmed and escaped meagre, although some differences can be observed at specific periods of fish life for Ba concentrations. Consequently, temporal variations regarding otolith Sr:Ba ratios differed between farmed and escaped meagre, suggesting that farmed and escaped fish shared the same origin (rearing at coastal farms) but inhabited in different conditions from a certain time of their life. However, core-to-edge Sr:Ba values also differed among escaped individuals, which might indicate that each individual escaped in different periods. Consequently, the otolith Sr:Ba ratio seemed to be a good indicator of differences between fish groups, showing different temporal patterns. Nevertheless, the limitation of the low number of sampled individuals prevented to draw clearer conclusions. Further research is necessary in order to investigate the potential use of otolith microchemistry as a practical tool to trace of escaped fish, and consequently, to help solving potential conflicts among coastal users improving management of potential negative socioeconomic and ecological impacts.

Linking otolith microchemistry and surface water contamination from natural gas mining

Unconventional natural gas drilling and the use of hydraulic fracturing technology have expanded rapidly in North America. This expansion has raised concerns of surface water contamination by way of spills and leaks, which may be sporadic, small, and therefore difficult to detect. Here we explore the use of otolith microchemistry as a tool for monitoring surface water contamination from generated waters (GW) of unconventional natural gas drilling. We exposed Brook Trout in the laboratory to three volumetric concentrations of surrogate generated water (SGW) representing GW on day five of drilling. Transects across otolith cross-sections were analyzed for a suite of elements by LA-ICP-MS. Brook Trout exposed to a 0.01–1.0% concentration of SGW for 2, 15, and 30 days showed a significant (p < 0.05) relationship of increasing Sr and Ba concentrations in all but one treatment. Analyses indicate lesser concentrations than used in this experiment could be detectable in surface waters and provide support for the use of this technique in natural habitats. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of how trace elements in fish otoliths may be used to monitor for surface water contamination from GW.

Use of otolith microchemistry as habitat indicator of Anchoa tricolor (Spix and Agassiz, 1829) in a subtropical estuary

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the use of sagitta otolith microchemistry (Sr:Ca, Ba:Ca ratios) as habitat indicator of Anchoa tricolor between the estuary and the adjacent continental shelf. We analyzed 162 specimens of A. tricolor in the Paranagua Estuarine Complex (Brazil), and salinity and rainfall data. The biological and environmental data were grouped into sectors (internal, intermediate, and external) and periods (early and late wet, and dry periods). The concentrations of Ca, Ba and Sr were determined using an ICP-OES. The Sr:Ca ratio indicated the existence of two groups, probably from different origins, that use the estuary at the same time, but occupying different sectors of the estuary. The Ba:Ca ratio did not differentiate the groups as to the use of estuary, but rather revealed low values, suggesting that this species does not use freshwater environments. However, this ratio showed a high variation in the wet period, indicating a greater availability of barium in the estuarine regions affected by the river discharge. Considering our results, it is possible to classify A . tricolor as an estuarine migrant species. Also, the Sr:Ca and Ba:Ca ratios can be indicative of the habitat use in a subtropical estuary.

Is otolith microchemistry (Sr: Ca and Ba:Ca ratios) useful to identify Mugil curema populations in the southeastern Caribbean Sea?

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the potential use of otolith microchemistry (Sr:Ca and Ba:Ca ratios) to identify silver mullet, Mugil curema, populations in Southeastern Caribbean Sea. Fish samples were collected in 7 areas of Nueva Esparta State (Venezuela). The otolith Sr:Ca and Ba:Ca ratios and water Sr:Ca were determined (by ICP-OES and EDTA volumetric method). Otoliths Sr:Ca and Ba:Ca ratios and Sr:Ca partition coefficient of mullets in Cubagua island (south of the State) were significantly different from ratios in La Guardia (north of the State). A discriminant analysis of otolith Sr:Ca and Ba:Ca ratios separated Cubagua Island from La Guardia values. These results suggest the existence of different mullet groups in the Southeastern Caribbean Sea. For this, the simultaneous use of Sr:Ca and Ba:Ca ratios could be a potential tool to identify populations in the study area.

Otolith chemistry discriminates water mass occupancy of Arctic fish in the Chukchi Sea

The microchemistry of otoliths has the potential to reconstruct fish movement patterns and habitat use between environmentally different habitats for individual age classes of Arctic marine fish. Herein, we tested the relationship between the bottom water mass from which a fish was collected and the microchemistry of the most recent growth edge of the fish’s otolith using Mg, Sr, Ba and Ca, and then determined the physical and biological factors that affected the chemical signatures. A discriminant function post hoc analysis of fish occupying bottom water masses resulted in 76% correct classification of Arctic or Polar cod (Boreogadus saida) and 82% correct classification of Arctic staghorn sculpin (Gymnocanthus tricuspis) into bottom water masses of capture when ages were pooled. By separating age classes, correct classifications into water masses of capture were as high as 87% for Arctic cod (three water masses) and 90% for Arctic staghorn sculpin (two water masses). Otolith Ba:Ca, Mg:Ca and Sr:Ca ratios were most consistently affected by bottom water temperature; the latter two were also affected by fish age and fish length. The use of otolith microchemistry to determine occupancy of water masses over time is most promising for Arctic cod, which is widespread and occupies the most thermally diverse habitats in Arctic waters.

Use of otolith microchemistry and stable isotopes to investigate the ecology and anadromous migrations of Northern Dolly Varden from the Egegik River, Bristol Bay, Alaska

Dolly Varden (Salvelinus malma) is a facultatively anadromous and iteroparous salmonid species, widely distributed around the Pacific Rim. Its distribution overlaps in northern areas with the circumpolar congeneric Arctic char (S. alpinus), which shares some of its life history traits. Despite the abundance of both species in many Alaskan watersheds and the diversity of their life histories, relatively little is known about their estuarine and marine ecology and migrations. Thirty char, taken as by-catch in the sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) gill net fishery in the Egegik District, Bristol Bay, Alaska in June and July 2013, were identified using molecular genetic techniques as Dolly Varden. Otoliths indicated that the fish, ranging from 445 to 560 mm fork length, were from 4 to 9 years old, with a modal age of 6 (40 % of the specimens). Microchemical analysis indicated that all fish had first migrated to sea at ages 2 or 3 (16 and 14 individuals, respectively), migrated annually thereafter to a maximum of eight times, and did not over-winter in marine waters. Moreover, the fish were produced by a mix of anadromous mothers (14 fish) and non-anadromous mothers (11 fish); the maternal origin of the other five fish was uncertain. Despite the fact that the fish were captured in the riverine/estuarine environment of the Egegik River, stable isotope analysis of muscle tissue samples indicated that they had relied on marine prey, and this was supported by the high Sr levels in the otoliths, indicating prior occupancy of marine rather than fresh water for all individuals tested. Together, these analyses reveal extensive use of marine resources by Dolly Varden across a wide range of sizes and ages during regular but brief migrations, and provide new information on this facultatively anadromous, long-lived salmonid.

Combined use of otolith microchemistry and morphometry as indicators of the habitat of the silverside (Odontesthes bonariensis) in a freshwater–estuarine environment

The silverside Odontesthes bonariensis is a highly salt-tolerant freshwater–estuarine species found in the Southern Hemisphere. The objective of the present study was to perform a simultaneous evaluation of the morphometry and microchemistry (Sr/Ca and Ba/Ca ratios) of the otoliths of this species to provide information on its displacements and to identify fish stocks. The morphometry and microchemistry of fish otoliths from three regions of the lower section of the Plata Basin (Uruguay River, Paraná River Delta and De la Plata River estuary) were compared. The results showed that otoliths of fish from the southern lower section of the Plata Basin tended to be circular in shape and had a lower ratio of sulcus perimeter to total otolith perimeter than those fish collected in the north of the studied region. There is a trend to increase the otolith Sr/Ca ratio with increasing water conductivity along a latitudinal (north–south) gradient, while the Ba/Ca ratio decreased significantly along such gradient. Present results suggest that the silverside population may be geographically divided along the north–south axis of the lower section of the Plata Basin.

The use of otolith microchemistry to investigate spawning patterns of European anchovy: A case study in the eastern Ligurian Sea (NW Mediterranean)

Spawning patterns of European anchovy were investigated in the eastern Ligurian Sea (NW Mediterranean) by using otolith microchemistry. Otolith cores of 1-year-old anchovies showed a homogeneous chemical composition, while those of 2 years old anchovies separated into five different groups. This suggests the occurrence of single vs. multiple spawning areas related to the two annual cohorts. Patterns of core microchemistry of 2 years old anchovies support the hypothesis of different spawning areas, possibly characterised by different salinity regimes, in the eastern Ligurian Sea (e.g. typical marine habitats like shelf edges vs. lower salinity locations like river mouths). Results suggest that: (1) stocks of European anchovy could depend on different spawning areas characterised by different environmental conditions; (2) patterns may change from year to year, and this could affect the annual risk of stock fluctuations or collapse; and (3) the use of otolith microchemistry is a promising approach for investigating spawning patterns of European anchovy.

A global review of the cosmopolitan flathead mullet Mugil cephalus Linnaeus 1758 (Teleostei: Mugilidae), with emphasis on the biology, genetics, ecology and fisheries aspects of this apparent species complex

This study reviews published information on Mugil cephalus from around the world, with recent genetic studies indicating that the flathead mullet may indeed be a species complex. Disciplines that are covered range from the taxonomy, genetics and systematics, through a variety of biological and ecological attributes, to biomarker and fisheries studies. The eurytopic nature of M. cephalus is emphasized, with the migratory life history covering a succession of very different aquatic environments (e.g. rivers, estuaries, coastal lakes/lagoons, marine littoral, open ocean), each of which is occupied for varying lengths of time, depending on the population characteristics within a region and the life-history stage of the species. Interpretation of these movements over time has been greatly enhanced by the use of otolith micro-chemistry which has enabled scientists to map out the different habitats occupied by individual fish at the different life stages. The range of physico-chemical attributes within these environments necessitates a wide tolerance to differing conditions, especially with regard to salinity, turbidity, dissolved oxygen and temperature, all of which are discussed in this review. The importance of M. cephalus to the ecological functioning of coastal systems is emphasized, as well as the pivotal role that this species fulfills in fisheries in some parts of the world. The parasites range from internal trematode and cestode infestations, to external branchyuran and copepod parasites, which use M. cephalus as either an intermediate or final host. The value of the flathead mullet as a biomarker for the monitoring of the health of coastal habitats is discussed, as well as its potential as an indicator or sentinel species for certain ecosystems.

Otolith microchemistry as a stock identification tool for freshwater fishes: testing its limits in Lake Erie

We evaluated otolith chemistry as a tool for identifying natal origins of potamodromous fishes using historical Lake Erie water chemistry (1983–2001) and yellow perch ( Perca flavescens ) otolith elemental composition (1994–1996) data. Lake Erie’s tributaries had stream-specific chemical signatures that were temporally stable. Correspondingly, the otolith microelemental composition of larvae collected from tributary embayments (Sandusky and Maumee bays) was shown to be geographically distinct and the use of known-origin juveniles showed that larval otolith microelemental signatures could be used to accurately identify natal origins and indicate fish movement. Discrimination between offshore spawning locations was relatively difficult, however, indicating limitations to working in systems that are dominated by flow from a single large river (i.e., Detroit River). Interannual variability in otolith microelemental signatures was high such that larvae from one year could not reliably classify natal location of larvae in another year. Development of an annual library of site-specific signatures and exploration of complementary ways to discriminate natal origins would improve the use of otolith microchemistry as a fishery management tool in freshwater systems.

Segregation of SE Pacific and SW Atlantic southern blue whiting stocks: integrating evidence from complementary otolith microchemistry and parasite assemblage approaches

Southern blue whiting Micromesistius australis support one of the largest industrial fisheries in South America. Two main spawning/nursery grounds are known: one in the SW Atlantic Ocean (SWA), southwest from the Falkland (Malvinas) Islands; and other in the SE Pacific Ocean (SEP), south from the Taitao Peninsula. Juveniles originating from both grounds are believed to mix during migration and/or in feeding areas in the Scotia Sea. Previous efforts to distinguish stocks in this area have yielded contradictory results between genetics and otolith microchemical analyses. In the present work we revisited the null hypothesis of a single stock occurring in the broader SWA-SEP region by comparing and integrating results from different approaches: trace metals (Ca, Sr, Ba, Mg, Mn) and stable isotopes (δ13C, δ18O) in otolith cores, and parasite assemblage compositions in adults from SWA and SEP spawning grounds. We found significant differences in Sr:Ca, δ13C and δ18O mean ratios between spawning grounds. The best trace element discriminant model classified 83% of the samples. Each stable isotope discriminated >90% of the samples, while combining them into a bivariate discriminant model led to 100% classification success. Higher δ18O levels in the SWA samples agreed with lower mean temperature and higher ambient δ18O levels in that area. Parasite assemblage compositions also showed significant differences between grounds regarding the prevalence of Chondracanthus, Contracaecum, Hepatoxylon and Grillotia and the abundance of Diclidophora, Anisakis, Contracaecum, Hysterothylacium and Hepatoxylon. Parasite-based discriminant models supported 90–100% correct assignment of samples to capture location. Although preliminary due to limited sampling coverage, our results support the existence of at least two ecologically distinct sub-populations of southern blue whiting in South America. The joint use of otolith microchemistry and parasitological techniques showed to be a promising way to test hypotheses concerning ecological stocks in marine fishes.

Geographic variation and juvenile migration in Atlantic redfish inferred from otolith microchemistry

Golden redfish (Sebastes marinus) and deep-sea redfish (S. mentella) are heavily exploited fish resources in the North Atlantic, but their stock delineation remains unresolved. The present study examined the use of otolith microchemistry as a stock separation tool for redfish. By determining minor and trace elements in redfish otoliths from various areas in the North Atlantic, geographic and temporal variations in otolith microchemistry were investigated. Relatively high temporal stability in otolith elemental composition was found for juvenile redfish from nursery areas off East Greenland. Elemental concentrations in the nucleus, juvenile and marginal otolith zones differed significantly between areas and showed consistent longitudinal trends for some elements. Multivariate analysis of element constituents by area, however, revealed poor geographic separation (&lt; 50% cross-validated classification) for both species. Otoliths of juvenile S. mentella from demersal nursery grounds and adjacent pelagic habitats showed no significant differences between areas. The results are in accordance with the recently observed low morphometric and genetic heterogeneity of redfish across the North Atlantic. It is, however, unclear if the lack of clear spatial separation by natal signatures is due to a common origin of the investigated fish or due to limited variability of the chemical composition of their ambient environment.

Potential use of otolith microchemistry for field studies of temperature-dependent sex determination and gonadal degeneration in fish

This paper describes a novel approach to study the expression of temperature-related reproductive phenomena such as thermolabile sex determination (TSD) and heat-induced germ cell loss in wild fish populations. The proposed approach is based on the reconstruction of the past thermal history of individual fish through the microchemical analysis of the otoliths (mineralized structures responsible for the sense of balance). As an example, we outline the preliminary results of an investigation on the natural occurrence of TSD in pejerrey Odontesthes bonariensis, an atherinid fish in which all-female to all-male populations can be produced by experimental manipulation of the rearing temperature during the critical time of sex differentiation, from Lake Kasumigaura, Japan.

Use of otolith microchemistry to investigate the environmental history of European eel Anguilla anguilla

MEPS Marine Ecology Progress Series Contact the journal Facebook Twitter RSS Mailing List Subscribe to our mailing list via Mailchimp HomeLatest VolumeAbout the JournalEditorsTheme Sections MEPS 149:73-81 (1997) - doi:10.3354/meps149073 Use of otolith microchemistry to investigate the environmental history of European eel Anguilla anguilla Tzeng WN, Severin KP, Wickström H Environmental history of the European eel Anguilla anguilla (L.) collected from Swedish brackish waters and lakes was studied by examining strontium (Sr) and calcium (Ca) in their otoliths with wavelength dispersive X-ray spectrometry on an electron microprobe. The Sr/Ca ratios in the otoliths changed with both ontogenetic development and salinity of the habitat. A peak Sr/Ca ratio of approximately 2 x 10-2 was observed in the marine phase of the otoliths, corresponding to the period when a leptocephalus metamorphosed into a glass eel. The ratios decreased to 5.72 (± 0.32) x 10-3 at yellow eel stage when the fish lived in brackish water and to 3.7 (± 0.20) x 10-4 in fresh water. The ratios were significantly different between brackish and fresh water (p < 0.00001). Several relatively higher Sr bands were found in otoliths of eel from brackish waters but not in the eels from fresh water. Salinity probably influences Sr deposition more than does temperature or somatic growth rates. European eel · Otolith · Strontium/calcium ratios · Elemental X-ray map · Environmental factor · Migratory history · Electron microprobe Full text in pdf format PreviousNextExport citation RSS - Facebook - Tweet - linkedIn Cited by Published in MEPS Vol. 149. Publication date: April 10, 1997 Print ISSN:0171-8630; Online ISSN:1616-1599 Copyright © 1997 Inter-Research.

Can otolith microchemistry chart patterns of migration and habitat utilization in anadromous fishes?

Seasonal and ontogenetic patterns in estuarine and coastal migrations of anadromous fish species have important consequences to their survival, growth, recruitment, and reproduction. We tested the hypothesis that otolith (sagitta) microchemistry can document the environmental history of individual fish across an estuarine salinity gradient. Juvenile striped bass, Morone saxatilis (Walbaum), (80 days posthatch) were reared for 3 wk in aquaria at two temperatures and six salinities. The ratio of strontium/calcium ( Sr Ca ) deposited in the sagittal otoliths of reared juveniles was positively related to salinity. Temperature and growth rate had relatively minor, but significant effects on the Sr Ca ratio. In a second experiment, juveniles (80 days posthatch) were exposed to increasing salinity (0 ppt to 25 ppt) and then decreasing salinity (25 ppt to 0 ppt) over a 20-wk period. Electron microprobe examination of the otoliths from these juveniles showed a gradual rise and decline in Sr Ca during the experimental period which corresponded directly with experimental changes in salinity. Field data on subadult and adult striped bass corroborated the laboratory analyses and indicated a logistic relationship between ambient salinity and otolith Sr Ca ratio. Verification studies support the use of otolith microchemistry to measure migratory schedules and habitat utilization patterns in anadromous striped bass populations.