Spatiotemporal variability in otolith core elemental fingerprints to assess natal origin of Atlantic halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus) in the Gulf of St. Lawrence
Gauthier, C.; Fisher, J.A.D.; Robert, D.; Sirois, P. (2025). Spatiotemporal variability in otolith core elemental fingerprints to assess natal origin of Atlantic halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus) in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Can. J. Zool. 103: 1-12. https://dx.doi.org/10.1139/cjz-2025-0049
In: Canadian Journal of Zoology = Revue canadienne de zoologie. National Research Council: Ottawa. ISSN 0008-4301; e-ISSN 1480-3283, more
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| Keyword |
Hippoglossus hippoglossus (Linnaeus, 1758) [WoRMS]
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| Author keywords |
otolith chemistry; connectivity; natal origin; LA-ICP-MS; Gulf of St. Lawrence |
| Authors | | Top |
- Gauthier, C.
- Fisher, J.A.D.
- Robert, D.
- Sirois, P.
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| Abstract |
Early life stages play a critical role in shaping recruitment dynamics and population structure in marine fishes, with implications for conservation and resource management. After declining in the 1950s, Atlantic halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus (Linnaeus, 1758)) in the Gulf of St. Lawrence (GSL), Canada, has shown a marked comeback since the early 2000s, now ranking as the most valuable groundfish resource. Given its socio-economic importance, understanding larval ecology and early life stages is key to sustainable management. Spawning occurs in deep GSL channels and individuals exhibit summer site fidelity. Recently, otolith chemistry provided insights into lifetime movements and revealed three migratory contingents: annual migrants, irregular migrants, and residents. We analyzed the cores of 187 otoliths from halibut with known migration histories using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry to quantify the number of nurseries and their contributions to the stock. To assess temporal trends, we examined four cohorts (2006, 2007, 2009, and 2010). Our findings suggest that Atlantic halibut in the GSL forms a philopatric population with multiple nurseries, and that natal origin does not influence later migration strategies. Given the role of early life stages in stock recruitment, these insights enhance our understanding of natal sources and support more informed management strategies. |
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