Abstract

The otolith chemistry is one of the most commonly used tools to elucidate the structure of fish stocks. The correct application of this methodology depends on the fulfillment of several assumptions. One of the most relevant assumptions is that the otoliths and water chemistries vary at appropriate spatio-temporal scale in relation to the hypotheses being addressed. Due to the increase in the number of publications where this assumption is not properly considered, it is essential to discuss and order different concepts to contribute to the correct interpretation of the information provided by the otolith chemistry applied to the delimitation of stocks. Herein, the opportunity for dispersal concepts in otolith chemistry-based stock discrimination methods is discussed integrating the space-time scales, and biogeographic foundations. Additionally, a graphic guide was developed to facilitate hypothesis testing and their respective interpretations. This article encourages further use and attention on age and growth data, dispersal ability and life history, but further integration of the issue of biology versus management, as well as how the integration of other approaches may assist, is recommended, as most likely there will be no single approach to resolve stock structure.

摘要

耳石化学是阐明鱼类种群结构的最常用工具之一。这种方法的正确应用取决于几个假设的实现。最相关的假设之一是耳石和水化学成分在适当的时空尺度上与正在解决的假设相关。由于未适当考虑此假设的出版物数量增加，因此必须讨论和订购不同的概念，以有助于正确解释适用于种群划定的耳石化学提供的信息。本文结合时空尺度和生物地理学基础讨论了基于耳石化学的股票鉴别方法中传播概念的机会。此外，制定了图形指南，以促进假设检验及其各自的解释。本文鼓励进一步使用和关注年龄和生长数据、传播能力和生活史，但建议进一步整合生物学与管理问题，以及其他方法的整合可能如何提供帮助，因为很可能会有解决股票结构的方法不是单一的。