Otolith microchemistry-based identification of migration life history variation in Pacific Herring (Clupea pallasii) in the Salish Sea.

The proposed work aims to use the chemical composition of otoliths (ear bones) to differentiate adult migratory and resident Pacific Herring (Clupea pallasii) in the Canadian Salish Sea. The ability to tell the difference between residents and migrants will allow us to investigate what controls resident summer herring abundance in the Strait of Georgia and to measure and manage the impacts of fisheries on resident herring. Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) diet data from 2017-2020 suggests resident herring are a very important food source and that their abundance may influence growth and survival of Chinook Salmon and their predators, southern resident killer whales (Orcinus orca), whose population is currently in decline. The benefit to the partner organization is a broader understanding of how resident herring dynamics may influence the salmon survival in the Salish Sea.

Faculty Supervisor:

Francis Juanes

Student:

Partner:

Pacific Salmon Foundation

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Agriculture; Other services (except public administration); Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of Victoria

Program: