An integrated Bayesian modeling approach for the growth of Indian Ocean yellowfin tuna

The Indian Ocean Tuna Tagging Program provided a unique opportunity to collect demographic data on the key commercially targeted tropical tuna species in the Indian Ocean. In this paper, we focused on estimating growth rates for one of these species, yellowfin (Thunnus albacares). Whilst most growth studies only draw on one data source, in this study we use a range of data sources: individual growth rates derived from yellowfin that were tagged and recaptured, direct age estimates obtained through otolith readings, and length-frequency data collected from the purse seine fishery between 2000 and 2010. To combine these data sources, we used an integrated Bayesian model that allowed us to account for the process and measurement errors associated with each data set. Our results indicate that the gradual addition of each data type improved the model's parameter estimations. The Bayesian framework was useful, as it allowed us to account for uncertainties associated with age estimates and to provide additional information on some parameters (e.g., asymptotic length). Our results support the existence of a complex growth pattern for Indian Ocean yellowfin, with two distinct growth phases between the immature and mature life stages. Such complex growth patterns, however, require additional information on absolute age of fish and transition rates between growth stanzas. This type of information is not available from the data. We suggest that bioenergetic models may address this current data gap. This modeling approach explicitly considers the allocation of metabolic energy in tuna and may offer a way to understand the underlying mechanisms that drive the observed growth patterns

Determining the age of tropical tunas in the Indian Ocean from otolith microstructures

The Indian Ocean Tuna Tagging Program (IOTTP) provided a unique opportunity to assess the viability of estimating the age of tropical tunas from the micro-structural features of otoliths. Here, we analyzed the length measurements and micro-increment counts collected for 506 sagittal otoliths, of which 343 were chemically marked with oxytetracycline, for bigeye (Thunnus obesus), skipjack (Katsuwonus pelamis), and yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares). Our results show that the otoliths of tropical tunas grow more slowly than the rest of the body. Our findings confirm that both yellowfin and juvenile bigeye deposit daily increments in their otoliths, though ages are underestimated for large bigeye (>100 cm) when derived from micro-increment counts. Our results also indicate that skipjack otoliths are not suitable for age estimations during the adult phase, as evidenced by the poor agreement between micro-increment counts and days-at-liberty. We hypothesize that the income breeding strategy of skipjack could explain the variability observed in the deposition rates. Due to their complex micro-structural patterns, the reading of tropical tuna otoliths requires a degree of interpretation that can result in poor count precision and large variability in micro-increment counts, both among and within teams of readers. Age estimates were found to vary between readers, a factor which can eventually affect growth estimates and ultimately, impact on fisheries management decisions and outcomes. To address this, we recommend that reference collections of otoliths are developed, with a view to standardizing the reading process. Further, alternative methods, such as annual age estimations (as opposed to daily), and alternative structures, such as dorsal spines for skipjack, should be used to improve the accuracy of age estimations and the speed with which they can be made

Stable isotope analyses revealed the influence of foraging habitat on mercury accumulation in tropical coastal marine fish

Bioaccumulation of toxic metal elements including mercury (Hg) can be highly variable in marine fish species. Metal concentration is influenced by various species-specific physiological and ecological traits, including individual diet composition and foraging habitat. The impact of trophic ecology and habitat preference on Hg accumulation was analyzed through total Hg concentration and stable isotope ratios of carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) analyses in the muscle of 132 fish belonging to 23 different species from the Senegalese coast (West Africa), where the marine ecosystem is submitted to nutrients inputs from various sources such as upwelling or rivers. Species-specific ecological traits were first investigated and results showed that vertical (i.e. water column distribution) and horizontal habitat (i.e. distance from the coast) led to differential Hg accumulation among species. Coastal and demersal fish were more contaminated than offshore and pelagic species. Individual characteristics therefore revealed an increase of Hg concentration in muscle that paralleled trophic level for some locations. Considering all individuals, the main carbon source was significantly correlated with Hg concentration, again revealing a higher accumulation for fish foraging in nearshore and benthic habitats. The large intraspecific variability observed in stable isotope signatures highlights the need to conduct ecotoxicological studies at the individual level to ensure a thorough understanding of mechanisms driving metal accumulation in marine fish. For individuals from a same species and site, Hg variation was mainly explained by fish length, in accordance with the bioaccumulation of Hg over time. Finally, Hg concentrations in fish muscle are discussed regarding their human health impact. No individual exceeded the current maximum acceptable limit for seafood consumption set by both the European Union and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. However, overconsumption of some coastal demersal species analyzed here could be of concern regarding human exposure to mercury