Temporal Variation in Trace Element Chemistry of Fish Otoliths: Implications for Identifying Natal Origins in River Systems
Otolith chemistry has demonstrated potential for identifying natal origins and tracing dispersal in fisheries across a variety of habitats. Our objective was to assess inter-annual and intra-annual (specifically, within the spawning season) variation of trace element signatures distinguishing different rivers. Our study site was the Upper James River and its tributary the Maury River in western Virginia. We collected smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) fry from various locations along the length of the Maury River and also from the James within 10 km of their confluence. In 2005 fry...
