Characterizing natal source population signatures in the diadromous fish Galaxias maculatus, using embryonic otolith chemistry

Abstract

One of the greatest empirical challenges in studies of marine metapopulations is assessing the role of connectivity in maintaining local populations. The use of natural tags in body structures such as otoliths has led to significant improvements in our understanding of dispersal dynamics; however, the real knowledge gap remains our ability to identify the origins of dispersing larvae. In the present study we show that embryonic otoliths of a diadromous fish native to southeastern Australia, Galaxias maculatus, can be used to quantify unique natal elemental signatures and identify potential source populations spread out along a contiguous coastline. Using laser ablation inductively coupled pl..