Characterization of carbonate fraction of the Atlantic bluefin tuna fin spine bone matrix for stable isotope analysis

Fin Spine Bone Resorption in Atlantic Bluefin Tuna, Thunnus thynnus, and Comparison between Wild and Captive-Reared Specimens

Bone resorption in the first spine of the first dorsal fin of Atlantic bluefin tuna (ABFT) has long been considered for age estimation studies. In the present paper spine bone resorption was assessed in wild (aged 1 to 13 years) and captive-reared (aged 2 to 11 years) ABFT sampled from the Mediterranean Sea. Total surface (TS), solid surface (SS) and reabsorbed surface (RS) were measured in spi...

The fate of Atlantic bluefin tuna.

Atlantic bluefin tuna spawn at suboptimal temperatures for their offspring.

Life-history traits such as spawning migrations and timing of reproduction are adaptations to specific environmental constraints and seasonal cycles in many organisms' annual routines. In this study we analyse how offspring fitness constrains spawning phenology in a large migratory apex predator, the Atlantic bluefin tuna. The reproductive schedule of Atlantic bluefin tuna varies between spawni...

Evidence of trans-Atlantic movement and natal homing of bluefin tuna from stable isotopes in otoliths

Stable carbon and oxygen isotopes in the otoliths of Atlantic bluefin tuna Thunnus thynnus were used to investigate trans-Atlantic movement and natal homing behaviors. Otolith δ13C and δ18O of yearling bluefin tuna from 6 different year classes (1999 to 2004) were characterized to validate the approach and assess inter-annual variation in these markers for individuals from eastern (Mediterranea...

Preparation of bone carbonate for stable isotope analysis: the effects of treatment time and acid concentration

While apatite carbonate C analysis is a useful tool in palaeodietary research, the vulnerability of carbonates to diagenesis necessitates careful sample preparation. The most common preparation method involves dilute acetic acid treatments to remove highly soluble mineral contaminants. However, there is variation in both treatment time and acid concentration. This study addresses the impact of ...