Spatial and temporal variation in otolith chemistry for tautog (Tautoga onitis) in Narragansett Bay and Rhode Island coastal ponds

Authors

Ivan Mateo
Edward G. Durbin, University of Rhode IslandFollow
David A. Bengtson, University of Rhode IslandFollow
Richard Kingsley
Peter K. Swart
Daisy Durant

Document Type

Article

Date of Original Version

2010

Abstract

The elemental composition of otoliths may provide valuable information for establishing connectivity between fish nursery grounds and adult fish populations. Concentrations of Rb, Mg, Ca, Mn, Sr, Na, K, Sr, Pb, and Ba were determined by using solution-based inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry in otoliths of young-of-the year tautog (Tautoga onitis) captured in nursery areas along the Rhode Island coast during two consecutive years. Stable oxygen (δ¹⁸O) and carbon (δ¹³C) isotopic ratios in young-of-the year otoliths were also analyzed with isotope ratio mass spectrometry. Chemical signatures differed significantly among the distinct nurseries within Narragansett Bay and the coastal ponds across years. Significant differences were also observed within nurseries from year to year. Classification accuracy to each of the five tautog nursery areas ranged from 85% to 92% across years. Because accurate classification of juvenile tautog nursery sites was achieved, otolith chemistry can potentially be used as a natural habitat tag.

Citation/Publisher Attribution

Mateo, I., Durbin, E. G., Bengtson, D. A., Kingsley, R., Stewart, P. K., & Durant, D. (2010). Spatial and Temporal Variation in Otolith Chemistry for Tautog (Tautoga onities) in Narragansett Bay and Rhode Island Coastal Ponds. Fishery Bulletin, 108(2), 155-161. Retrieved from http://fishbull.noaa.gov/1082/mateo.pdf

Available at: http://fishbull.noaa.gov/1082/mateo.pdf