ASSOCIATED RESEARCH – Using otolith chemistry to understand the migratory movements of Atlantic halibut in the Gulf of St. Lawrence

Atlantic halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus) is currently the groundfish having the highest commercial value per unit weight in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. With its exploitation on the rise, a better understanding of the dynamics and structure of the stock becomes critical. Otolith chemistry enables distinguishing the various origin sources of halibut in the gulf and learning more about the migration patterns of fish within the stock.

Combining otolith chemistry with fish-age readings and measurements of the distance between otolith growth rings, it is possible to determine whether certain migratory behaviours are associated with improved growth rates.

The findings of this project will improve our understanding of halibut biology and ecology, enabling us to optimize the management of this precious resource.

This project is co-directed by Dominique Robert (UQAR-ISMER) and Jonathan Fisher (MUN).