Assessing Essential Fish Habitat in Freshwater Environments Using Otolith Chemistry: Spring River, AR.

The identification of essential fish habitat within freshwater systems is critical to the management of the game fish populations. In order to accurately assess habitat we investigated the physical and chemical hydrological controls on game fish abundances and distributions with the 92-km reach of the Spring River of Arkansas. The hydrology of the river was integrated in to the chemical analyses of otolith chemistry of game fish from habitats throughout the river. Identified spatial and temporal variations in metal concentration within the Spring River are an important factor in the recognition of essential fish habitat. In the Spring River, where spatial and temporal metal concentration variations are significant, otolith chemistry has the potential to serve as a marker of essential habitat in much the same way as in estuarine and marine settings. Using otolith chemistry to identify essential habitat in freshwater systems has the potential to revolutionize ecological management strategies. Fish otolith chemistry shows both inter-species variations and spatial variations. Spatial variations in the otolith chemistry as recorded over the life of the fish allow identification of the nursery habitat and feeding range of game fish. Using otolith chemistry, particularly variations in trace element composition rather than the traditional major element ratios (i.e., Mg/Ca), we are able to identify essential habitats and provide managers data needed for conservation and preservation of these habitats.