Spatiotemporal Variations in Trace Element Compositions in Pollock Populations under the Influence of Coastal Norwegian Salmon Farms

Pollock Pollachius virens (also known as Saithe) modify their feeding habits when including in diet uneaten feed pellets from salmon aquaculture sea cages. To determine the influence of farms on Pollock, multivariate and univariate analyses were conducted trace element signatures muscle liver tissues. Sample fish caught vicinity control areas (>3-km distance farms) coast Hitra Island (western Norway) over two consecutive years (2012 2013). The hepatosomatic index was calculated a proxy body condition higher captured near both years. Variations specific profiles revealed farming assemblages (i.e., arsenic, manganese, copper muscle; vanadium manganese liver). Differences composition between sampling notable may, addition to feed, reflect temporal variation migrations or natural food availability. Multivariate each year showed significant differences tissue types among groups. Therefore, assessment is potential tool for determining populations, although other sources must be taken into account considering future fishery management strategies.