Rapid and Reliable Assessment of Fish Physiological Condition for Fisheries Research and Management Using Fourier Transform Near-Infrared Spectroscopy

Measuring fish population responses to climate change requires timely ecological information, warranting innovative approaches data collection in fisheries research and management. Fourier transform near-infrared (FT-NIR) spectroscopy is a promising tool efficiently cost-effectively obtain multiple types of including physiological health energetics that can provide indicators stock status environmental change. We tested the applicability FT-NIR determine state condition by developing calibration models for morphometric indices body [Fulton’s K hepatosomatic index (HSI)], biochemical measurements tissue composition (lipid content energy density), nucleic acid-based recent growth (RNA:DNA) juvenile Pacific cod ( Gadus macrocephalus ). Calibration had best predictive ability lipid followed HSI density, whereas spectral weak relationships with Fulton’s RNA:DNA. For content, HSI, informative regions were primarily associated carbon-hydrogen bonds molecules. Additionally, better predicted than are often used as proxies measuring reserves, indicating might serve more stores other rapid methods. Efficient sample analysis supplement traditional metrics be especially useful ensuring availability monitoring support