(U.S. Department of Commerce, 2004)
FitzGerald, Jennifer L.; Thorrold, Simon R.; Bailey, Kevin M.; Brown, Annette L.; Severin, Kenneth P.
The objectives of this study are to determine if larval
walleye pollock from different geographic localities can
be distinguished based on elemental signatures in their
otoliths. By analyzing sagittal otoliths with both EPMA
and laser ablation ICP-MS, we hoped to identify greater
differences among locations than would have been possible
by using either technique in isolation. If successful,
the study may provide a powerful tool for determining
stock structure and tracing migration pathways of
walleye pollock in the north Pacific. These data could
then be used by managers of one of the world's largest
single species fisheries to direct the sustainable harvest
of this considerable natural resource.
