Micro-PIXE studies of Sr zoning in Arctic charr otoliths: Migratory behaviour and stock discrimination

Micro-PIXE has been used to determine the content of strontium in the growth zones of Arctic charr otoliths. A well-defined correspondence is observed between the optically observed growth zones and the strontium zoning pattern. Line-scan data indicate whether or not the fish concerned is anadromous, and they define the years in which migration to the sea has taken place; they also are sensitive to the geographic origin of the fish. These results suggest that micro-PIXE can be a useful tool in the management and conservation of the Arctic charr.