Multi-element otolith chemistry of juvenile sole (Solea solea), whiting (Merlangius merlangus) and European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) in the Thames Estuary and adjacent coastal regions

摘要: Abstract Estuaries are regarded as valuable nursery habitats for many commercially important marine fishes, potentially providing a thermal resource, refuge from predators and source of abundant prey. To assess the extent estuarine use by juvenile (0+) common sole ( Solea solea ), whiting Merlangius merlangus ) European seabass Dicentrarchus labrax we: (1) developed techniques to distinguish between coastally-caught juveniles using otolith chemistry; (2) examined accuracy with which multi-elemental signatures could re-classify their region collection. High-resolution solution-based inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HB-SB-ICPMS) was used quantify 32 elements within otoliths; 14 occurred above detection limits all samples. Some elemental distributions demonstrated clear differences fish. Multivariate analysis chemistry data resulted in 95–100% re-classification Estuarine coastal were most clearly defined which, compared bass whiting, have low mobility less likely move larval settlement later migration adult stocks. Sole only species reveal an energetic benefit associated phase. The physiological ability access upper regions consistent some data, while high restricted range distinct chemistries.