Tracing populations of Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus L.) in the Irish and Celtic Seas using otolith microstructure

摘要: Otolith microstructure of juvenile herring was used to distinguish autumn- and winter-spawned fish collected in the Celtic Irish Seas 1999 2000. Juveniles showed two distinct patterns larval otolith growth; widely spaced increments (fast growers) tightly packed (slow growers). Fast- slow-growing exhibited a clear bimodal distribution groups were completely at 60–70. increment counts confirmed that fast-growing originated from winter spawning season spawned autumn. This characteristic pattern growth determine relative proportions nursery grounds Seas. Although each area varied between years, western Sea generally dominated by whereas autumn-spawned mostly eastern stations. Given adults region, vast majority are likely originate Sea. Larval differences areas suggest drift into during phase. There significant variation size for both fish. Juvenile length greatest Sea, intermediate lowest Therefore, dispersal produces components surviving population with patterns. segregation could potentially impact on subsequent growth, survival recruitment. 2002 International Council Exploration Published Elsevier Science Ltd.