Anna Sturrock
I am interested in patterns in (and controls on) fish migration and population connectivity, and how population spatial dynamics ties into sustainable management and conservation. By examining the chemical composition of fish tissues, it is possible to obtain time-resolved records of their environmental and/or physiological history. I primarily use otoliths ("earstones") as a natural tag for reconstructing individual movement patterns, growth rates and habitat use.
My current position involves looking at life history diversity in juvenile Chinook salmon populations in the California Central Valley and trying to understand how the physical environment influences their behaviour, growth and survival. Otolith Sr isotopes and microstructure provide powerful tools to examine juvenile migration strategies and responses to variation in river conditions.
My PhD research focused on understanding environmental and physiological controls on otolith microchemistry in plaice (Pleuronectes platessa L.), a marine flatfish. The relationship between water, blood and otolith elemental concentrations were examined via a long-term mensurative experiment. Data storage tag (DSTs) records were also used to match known spatial and temporal movements with otolith composition and to examine controls on otolith microchemistry in free-ranging fish. The results of the study indicated substantial physiological modification of almost all elements examined, although Ba, Li (and perhaps Mn) exhibited the greatest environmental sensitivity in this species and system. Reproductive effects on otolith Sr and Zn concentrations were observed and may provide useful markers of spawning behaviour, such as onset of sexual maturity and/or skipped spawning events.
Supervisors: Stephanie Carlson, Rachel Johnson, Michael Miller, Clive Trueman, and Ewan Hunter
Phone: +1-510-423-2210
Address: Center for Watershed Sciences
University of California, Davis
1 Shields Ave
Davis, CA 95616
My current position involves looking at life history diversity in juvenile Chinook salmon populations in the California Central Valley and trying to understand how the physical environment influences their behaviour, growth and survival. Otolith Sr isotopes and microstructure provide powerful tools to examine juvenile migration strategies and responses to variation in river conditions.
My PhD research focused on understanding environmental and physiological controls on otolith microchemistry in plaice (Pleuronectes platessa L.), a marine flatfish. The relationship between water, blood and otolith elemental concentrations were examined via a long-term mensurative experiment. Data storage tag (DSTs) records were also used to match known spatial and temporal movements with otolith composition and to examine controls on otolith microchemistry in free-ranging fish. The results of the study indicated substantial physiological modification of almost all elements examined, although Ba, Li (and perhaps Mn) exhibited the greatest environmental sensitivity in this species and system. Reproductive effects on otolith Sr and Zn concentrations were observed and may provide useful markers of spawning behaviour, such as onset of sexual maturity and/or skipped spawning events.
Supervisors: Stephanie Carlson, Rachel Johnson, Michael Miller, Clive Trueman, and Ewan Hunter
Phone: +1-510-423-2210
Address: Center for Watershed Sciences
University of California, Davis
1 Shields Ave
Davis, CA 95616
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