Is otolith science transformative? New views on fish migration

Abstract

Publications focused on fish otolith applica-

Reconstructing transoceanic migration patterns of Pacific bluefin tuna using a chemical tracer toolbox

“…Biogeochemical tools provide new methods for elucidating life-history characteristics, population structure, and migration timelines for many fish species (Me´nard et al 2007, Rooker et al 2008, Graham et al 2010, Secor 2010, Wells et al 2010, Carlisle et al 2012, Ramos and Gonza´lez-Solı´s 2012, Secor et al 2012. In tunas, such tools are improving our capacity to conduct spatial and temporal analyses of movement patterns that can be used to improve stock assessments (Rooker et al 2008, Graham et al 2010, Secor 2010, Secor et al 2012.…”

“…All PBFT are spawned in the western Pacific Ocean (WPO), and in their first several years of life, an unknown proportion of the population migrates across to the eastern Pacific Ocean (EPO), and feeds on the abundant prey resources of the California Current large marine ecosystem (Bayliff et al 1991, Bayliff 1994. Analyses of past migrations, however, can be provided by biogeochemical tracers that are retrospective in nature, such as otolith chemistry and stable isotope analysis of soft tissues (Rooker et al 2008, Graham et al 2010, Secor 2010, Secor et al 2012. Presently, it is challenging to discern the proportion of long-term (.1 yr) EPO residents to migrants from the WPO.…”

Theory, consequences and evidence of eroding population spatial structure in harvested marine fishes: a review

“…Genetic techniques may provide blurred pictures of the degree of separation between different subgroups in a population. Similarly, non-genetic techniques, such as otolith microchemistry, may give conflicting results (Secor 2010). Does that mean that populations are not structured or that some level of structure should not be considered in management?…”

Introduction to proceedings of the 4th International Otolith Symposium

“…The Symposium is the most recent in a series of international symposia conducted over the last two decades. The first symposium, which was held in 1993 at Hilton Head, South Carolina USA, was organized to: (1) review and synthesize otolith research with emphasis on both fundamental research and applications; (2) highlight current research and identify data gaps; and (3) stimulate new work and new investigators (Secor et al 1995). In 1998, the second symposium was held in Bergen, Norway and built upon the ideas that: (1) otoliths had become the primary structure for age estimation in fishes and accuracy and precision were of paramount importance; and (2) otoliths were valuable beyond studies of age and growth (Fossum et al 2000).…”

“…Additionally, there are two synthesis contributions. The first examines how otolith-derived information has provided new insights on fish migration (Secor 2010). The second focuses on how otolith structural analyses have contributed to our understanding of ecological and oceanographic processes relevant to ecosystem-based management (Sponaugle 2010).…”