ASSOCIATED RESEARCH – Structure, connectivity and population dynamics of Atlantic redfish in the Gulf of St. Lawrence

This project studies the stock dynamics of the Atlantic redfish (Sebastes mentella) in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, a groundfish that has been found in large quantities in the St. Lawrence system over the last decade. Specifically, this project aims to trace the annual growth and migratory movements of Atlantic redfish in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

This thesis research relies on the analysis of otoliths, pairs of small limestone concretions in the inner ear of fish. Their continuous growth throughout a fish’s lifetime and their ability to integrate chemical elements from seawater make them invaluable recorders of life history and environmental conditions.

This project is part of a research partnership between Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and Ressources Aquatiques Québec (RAQ).

This project is co-directed by Dominique Robert (UQAR-ISMER).