Variations in growth of Tautog in nursery areas in Narragansett Bay and Rhode Island coastal ponds

Abstract

In the present study, the growth of juvenile tautogs Tautoga onitis in Narragansett Bay (Gaspee Point, Mount Hope Bay, and Rose Island) and Rhode Island coastal ponds (Point Judith and Charleston ponds) was evaluated by means of otolith microstructure. The widths of the daily increments in otoliths in the region that represents the postsettlement period (20-50 d) of tautogs collected in two separate years were compared among these stations. Significant differences were found in the growth trajectories within stations between years as well as among stations in each year. This study demonstrates that there can be significant variability in short-term growth for juvenile tautogs within and among estuaries. This variability may change from year to year, potentially affecting the interpretation of growth. A better understanding of the conditions affecting single factors of tautog production, such as growth over several years, may enable researchers to successfully characterize fish nursery value. © American Fisheries Society 2011.