scholarly journals Application of otolith chemistry at multiple life history stages to assess population structure of Warsaw grouper in the Gulf of Mexico

2020 ◽  
Vol 651 ◽  
pp. 111-123
Author(s):  
PJ Sanchez ◽  
JR Rooker ◽  
M Zapp Sluis ◽  
J Pinsky ◽  
MA Dance ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Population Structure ◽  
Life History ◽  
Gulf Of Mexico ◽  
First Year ◽  
Otolith Chemistry ◽  
Stock Structure ◽  
Chemical Markers ◽  
Life History Stages ◽  
Otolith Core ◽  
Environmental Histories

Chemical markers in otoliths have been used to assess the stock structure of many marine fishes, but these natural markers have yet to be widely evaluated or applied to demersal fishes in offshore habitats where physicochemical gradients are generally less pronounced relative to nearshore waters. To address this, we quantified trace elements (Li, Mg, Mn, Co, Cu, Zn, Sr, Ba) and stable isotopes (δ13C and δ18O) in otoliths of Warsaw grouper Hyporthodus nigritus from 4 regions in the Gulf of Mexico (Texas, Louisiana, Alabama-NW Florida, and SW Florida). Region-specific differences in otolith chemistry were observed, and notable differences in several influential markers (Mn:Ca, Sr:Ca, and Ba:Ca ratios and δ18O) were present, particularly between the most distant regions investigated (Texas/Louisiana and SW Florida). Distinct regional signatures were observed for Warsaw grouper across 3 life history stages: first year (otolith core), most recent years (otolith edge), and lifetime (whole otolith), suggesting that individuals within certain regions share common environmental histories that may represent unique contingents or sub-populations. Findings also demonstrate that spatial variability within these markers was consistent enough to overcome any temporal variability within the geographic domains investigated for all 3 life history stages, highlighting their potential value for assessing the natal origin, exchange, and population structure of this species and potentially other members of the deepwater fish assemblage.

scholarly journals Conservation of coastal stingrays: seasonal abundance and population structure of the short-tailed stingray Dasyatis brevicaudata at a Marine Protected Area

2012 ◽  
Vol 69 (8) ◽  
pp. 1427-1435 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Le Port ◽  
S. Lavery ◽  
J. C. Montgomery
Keyword(s):  
Population Structure ◽  
Life History ◽  
Protected Area ◽  
Marine Protected Area ◽  
Marine Reserve ◽  
Conservation Strategy ◽  
Seasonal Abundance ◽  
Management Tools ◽  
Life History Stages ◽  
Effective Conservation

Abstract Le Port, A., Lavery, S., and Montgomery, J. C. 2012. Conservation of coastal stingrays: seasonal abundance and population structure of the short-tailed stingray Dasyatis brevicaudata at a Marine Protected Area. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 69: . Elasmobranch (shark, ray, and skate) populations around the world are in decline, and effective conservation measures are urgently needed. Marine Protected Areas (MPA) placed in locations important for key life-history stages may form part of an effective conservation strategy. In this context, we examined the seasonal abundance and population structure of the short-tailed stingray (Dasyatis brevicaudata) at an offshore MPA in northeastern New Zealand, and the reported use of this location as a mating ground. Diver surveys were conducted from 2004 to 2007 at the Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve (PKIMR). During this time, we observed: (i) a substantial increase in adult and subadult numbers, particularly females during the suggested breeding season, and a corresponding increase in females bearing fresh mating scars; and (ii) large numbers of smaller (probably immature) D. brevicaudata individuals of both sexes from spring to autumn. These results suggest that the PKIMR acts as both a mating aggregation location and a nursery for this species. We suggest that for coastal stingrays such as D. brevicaudata, small MPAs may be effective at protecting key life-history stages, but that as movements outside of reserve boundaries also occur, additional management tools may also be necessary.

scholarly journals Contributions to Management Strategies in the NE Atlantic Regarding the Life History and Population Structure of a Key Deep-Sea Fish (Mora moro)

Biology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 522
Author(s):  
Régis Santos ◽  
Wendell Medeiros-Leal ◽  
Osman Crespo ◽  
Ana Novoa-Pabon ◽  
Mário Pinho
Keyword(s):  
Population Structure ◽  
Life History ◽  
Deep Sea ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Size Composition ◽  
Large Size ◽  
The Common ◽  
Fishing Impacts ◽  
Sea Fish

With the commercial fishery expansion to deeper waters, some vulnerable deep-sea species have been increasingly captured. To reduce the fishing impacts on these species, exploitation and management must be based on detailed and precise information about their biology. The common mora Mora moro has become the main deep-sea species caught by longliners in the Northeast Atlantic at depths between 600 and 1200 m. In the Azores, landings have more than doubled from the early 2000s to recent years. Despite its growing importance, its life history and population structure are poorly understood, and the current stock status has not been assessed. To better determine its distribution, biology, and long-term changes in abundance and size composition, this study analyzed a fishery-dependent and survey time series from the Azores. M. moro was found on mud and rock bottoms at depths below 300 m. A larger–deeper trend was observed, and females were larger and more abundant than males. The reproductive season took place from August to February. Abundance indices and mean sizes in the catch were marked by changes in fishing fleet operational behavior. M. moro is considered vulnerable to overfishing because it exhibits a long life span, a large size, slow growth, and a low natural mortality.

Population structure and ontogenetic habitat use of Micropogonias furnieri in the Southwestern Atlantic Ocean inferred by otolith chemistry

2021 ◽  
Vol 240 ◽  
pp. 105953
Author(s):  
Esteban Avigliano ◽  
Nadia M. Alves ◽  
M. Rita Rico ◽  
Claudio O. Ruarte ◽  
Luciana D’Atri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Population Structure ◽  
Atlantic Ocean ◽  
Habitat Use ◽  
Otolith Chemistry ◽  
Southwestern Atlantic ◽  
Southwestern Atlantic Ocean ◽  
Micropogonias Furnieri

Consistency of patterns between laboratory experiments and field collected fish in otolith chemistry: an example and applications for salinity reconstructions

2005 ◽  
Vol 56 (5) ◽  
pp. 609 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. S. Elsdon ◽  
B. M. Gillanders
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Variables ◽  
Laboratory Experiments ◽  
Juvenile Fish ◽  
Otolith Chemistry ◽  
Ambient Water ◽  
Elemental Concentrations ◽  
Adequate Knowledge ◽  
Black Bream ◽  
Environmental Histories ◽  
The Relationship

Elemental concentrations within fish otoliths can track movements and migrations of fish through gradients of environmental variables. Tracking the movements of fish relies on establishing links between environmental variables and otolith chemistry, with links commonly made using laboratory experiments that rear juvenile fish. However, laboratory experiments done on juvenile fish may not accurately reflect changes in wild fish, particularly adults. We tested the hypotheses that: (1) the relationship between ambient (water) and otolith chemistry is similar between laboratory-reared black bream (Acanthopagrus butcheri) and wild black bream; and (2) ontogeny does not influence otolith chemistry. Field-collected and laboratory-reared fish showed similar effects of ambient strontium : calcium (Sr : Ca) on otolith Sr : Ca concentrations. However, ambient and otolith barium : calcium concentrations (Ba : Ca) differed slightly between laboratory-reared and field-collected fish. Importantly, fish reared in stable environmental variables showed no influence of ontogeny on Sr : Ca or Ba : Ca concentrations. Natural distributions of ambient Sr : Ca showed no clear relationship to salinity, yet, ambient Ba : Ca was inversely related to salinity. The distribution of ambient Sr : Ca and Ba : Ca in estuaries inhabited by black bream, suggest that these elements can answer different questions regarding environmental histories of fish. Reconstructing salinity histories of black bream using otolith Ba : Ca concentrations seems plausible, if adequate knowledge of Ba : Ca gradients within estuaries is obtained.

scholarly journals The movement ecology of seagrasses

2014 ◽  
Vol 281 (1795) ◽  
pp. 20140878 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathryn McMahon ◽  
Kor-jent van Dijk ◽  
Leonardo Ruiz-Montoya ◽  
Gary A. Kendrick ◽  
Siegfried L. Krauss ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Life History ◽  
Clonal Growth ◽  
Movement Ecology ◽  
Future Research ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Spatial And Temporal Scales ◽  
Life History Stages ◽  
Research Areas ◽  
Time Movement

A movement ecology framework is applied to enhance our understanding of the causes, mechanisms and consequences of movement in seagrasses: marine, clonal, flowering plants. Four life-history stages of seagrasses can move: pollen, sexual propagules, vegetative fragments and the spread of individuals through clonal growth. Movement occurs on the water surface, in the water column, on or in the sediment, via animal vectors and through spreading clones. A capacity for long-distance dispersal and demographic connectivity over multiple timeframes is the novel feature of the movement ecology of seagrasses with significant evolutionary and ecological consequences. The space–time movement footprint of different life-history stages varies. For example, the distance moved by reproductive propagules and vegetative expansion via clonal growth is similar, but the timescales range exponentially, from hours to months or centuries to millennia, respectively. Consequently, environmental factors and key traits that interact to influence movement also operate on vastly different spatial and temporal scales. Six key future research areas have been identified.

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