Otolith microchemical evidence revealing multiple spawning site origination of the anadromous tapertail anchovy(Coilia nasus)in the Changjiang(Yangtze)River Estuary

The estuarine tapertail anchovy(Coilia nasus)is a high-value commercial fish.Estimating the spawning site or hatchery origin and habitat is essential for its conservation.This study aimed to determine the habitat use and life history characteristics of C.nasus from the Changjiang River Estuary.We investigated the environmental signatures of strontium(Sr)and calcium(Ca)in the otoliths of the collected specimens using electron probe microanalysis;additionally,we examined their gonadal maturity stage.Our results indicate that the 31 adult C.nasus specimens used in this study could be classified into two types based on their otolith Sr:Ca concentration ratios and their gonadal maturity stage.The long freshwater early life history type(Type LF)had wider central region in the otolith with low Sr:Ca concentration ratios ranging from 1.24±0.62 to 1.92±0.78 and a bluish pattern of low Sr content level.These fish are of riverine origin and had a relatively long early life history in freshwater and low gonadal maturation when captured.The short freshwater early life history type(Type SF)had a shorter central region in the otolith with low Sr:Ca concentration ratios ranging from 1.35±0.5 to 2.82±0.97 and a correspondingly bluish pattern.These fish also had a relatively short-term early life history in freshwater and high gonadal maturation when captured.The results of the otolith microchemical analysis indicated that Type LF and Type SF originated in spawning/hatching sites far from and close to the estuary,respectively.The mature gonads of Type SF fish indicated that they may breed in areas close to the estuary,whereas the immature gonads of Type LF fish indicated that they may breed in areas far from the estuary.This study is the first to reveal that the Changjiang River Estuary contains stocks of anadromous C.nasus originating in different spawning sites during the same season.The estuarine habitat plays a critical role in the connectivity between freshwater recruitment and the marine resources available to adult spawners of this commercially valued species.From a conservation perspective,this study provides important information for identifying anadromous C.nasus stocks originating in different spawning sites in the Changjiang River Basin.

Effect of Intertidal Elevation at Tsuyazaki Cove,Fukuoka,Japan on Survival Rate of Horseshoe Crab Tachypleus tridentatus Eggs

Physical factors affecting the survival of Tachypleus tridentatus eggs were investigated by translocating their eggs between the high intertidal zone and the low intertidal zone of a known spawning site.The mean egg survival rates per day were highest in the mid intertidal zone(45.1%±25.4%)and the lowest in the low intertidal zone(13.3%±27.6%).Differences in the elevation,air exposure time,and water content of the spawning ground were significant factors determining the egg survival rates.Excessive or insufficient air exposure time resulted in inadequate water content at higher and lower intertidal zones and could reduce egg survival.On the other hand,moderate saturation and dehydration were repeated with each tidal movement in the mid intertidal zone.This dynamic is considered as one of the crucial factors for the survival of eggs and is considered optimal for spawning.Therefore,the protection of the mid intertidal zone is imperative for maximizing the egg survival rate in Tsuyazaki Cove where almost all suitable nesting sites have disappeared due to coastal development.By protecting these optimal sites for spawning and recovering other optimal sites on suitable beaches,a positive contribution can be made to future management and conservation.The study also suggests that translocating eggs from marginal to optimal spawning sites might be a recovery strategy for this globally endangered species.