Geochemical markers for fish life history
EMSL Project ID
60679
Abstract
This proposal involves two different projects using geochemical markers to investigate questions regarding fish life history. Fish have structures called “otoliths,” which are made out of calcium carbonate. These structures grow like rings on a tree, incorporating elements from the water around them. Therefore, if the isotopic composition of the water is known, the composition of the otolith can be matched with the water to determine where a fish has been throughout its entire life. Oxygen isotopes vary in fresh and marine waters according to a number of factors, including latitude, distance inland, and elevation. This natural variation in oxygen water isotopes will help to determine the provenance of movement patterns of fish from different populations. The first project will examine the oxygen and carbon isotopes in pink salmon otoliths from Alaska. Here, the research goal is to determine if pink salmon are successfully reproducing in the Arctic or if fish in the area are transient. This project has important implications for subsistence fishing communities in the Arctic, as well as for the development of energy resources in the area. This project is funded by the U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management.
The second project will focus on determining the provenance of steelhead in the Okanogan River Basin. Currently, the spawning habitat of these fish is poorly constrained. This information would help fisheries managers to better conserve these threatened and endangered populations. This project is funded by the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation.
Project Details
Start Date
2023-04-24
End Date
2023-09-30
Status
Closed
Released Data Link
Team
Principal Investigator