Spatial and temporal variation in otolith chemistry for tautog (Tautoga onitis) along the US northeast coast

Authors

Ivan Mateo, University of Rhode Island
Edward G. Durbin, University of Rhode Island
David A. Bengtson, University of Rhode Island
Richard Kingsley, University of Rhode Island
Peter K. Swart, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science
Daisy Durant, Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve

Document Type

Article

Date of Original Version

6-1-2012

Abstract

Elemental concentrations and stable (δ18O, δ13C) isotopic ratios in otoliths of young-of-the year (YOY) Tautoga onitis (Tautog) captured in nurseries in Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, and Virginia were determined using otolith micro-chemistry. Multi-chemical signatures differed significantly among the distinct nurseries among regions (MANOVA: P < 0.001) and between years (MANOVA: P < 0.001). Classification accuracy for Tautog nurseries among regions ranged from 92% to 96% for each of the two years. Since accurate classification of juvenile Tautog to their nursery sites was achieved, otolith chemistry can potentially be used as a natural habitat tag in assigning adult Tautog to their respective estuarine nurseries, but it is important to consider that the chemical signals may change annually.

Publication Title, e.g., Journal

Northeastern Naturalist

Volume

19

Issue

2

Citation/Publisher Attribution

Mateo, Ivan, Edward G. Durbin, David A. Bengtson, Richard Kingsley, Peter K. Swart, and Daisy Durant. "Spatial and temporal variation in otolith chemistry for tautog (Tautoga onitis) along the US northeast coast." Northeastern Naturalist 19, 2 (2012). doi: 10.1656/045.019.0205.