MEPS 543:173-186 (2016)  -  DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/meps11549

ABSTRACT: We evaluated the utility of geochemical tagging methods to discern larval connectivity among an invertebrate metapopulation within a large (~5000 km²) temperate estuary. Specifically, we examined how estuarine-scale gradients in temperatures (21° to 26.5°C), salinities (12.5 to 20 ppt), and trace metal concentrations (ambient, +16 ppb Mn and 0.16 ppb Pb, or +32 ppb Mn and 0.32 ppb Pb) affect Crassostrea virginica larval-shell signatures of Mn, Sr, Ba, and Pb in controlled mesocosms. We also utilized field-collected, newly settled oysters across Pamlico Sound, NC, USA, to explore signature variability among natural temperature and salinity gradients and examine the spatial resolution at which geochemical signatures can be used to discriminate between collection regions. Mesocosm experiments revealed environmentally and statistically significant interactive effects between temperature and salinity on elemental ratios in larval oyster shells, favoring higher Sr concentrations in cooler, fresher water, but no effects of these factors on Ba signatures. Mesocosm trials also showed increased Mn signatures in larval shell following from spiking mesocosms with Mn solutions; however, this relationship did not hold for Pb following analogous elemental spikes. Our field collections of recent settlers showed similar patterns of high Sr at relatively low salinities and temperatures, without clear environmental gradients for Ba. Overall, we found that across regional (35 km) spatial scales, environmental variables, such as salinity and temperature, can generate distinct multi-elemental signatures between putative natal sites. However, if sites are close together or located in similar environments, discrimination among sites appears greatly reduced. We suggest that geochemical tagging provides a promising approach for characterizing larval connectivity among subpopulations within whole-estuarine systems.

KEY WORDS: Bivalve larvae · Connectivity · Crassostrea virginica · Geochemical tagging · Larval dispersal · Laser ablation ICP-MS · Oysters · Salinity · Temperature