https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Index ${session.getAttribute("locale")} 5 https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:38336 Wed 12 May 2021 20:11:48 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:5181 Wed 12 May 2021 16:42:29 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:5285 Thu 13 May 2021 01:55:14 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:65763 200 km). These characteristics provide opportunities for high levels of connectivity, and as such, the stock structure is not well understood. We applied an integrated, multidisciplinary approach to provide an improved understanding of the complex stock structure dynamics for Patagonian toothfish on the Patagonian Shelf, specifically in relation to the shelf, slope, and deep-sea plains around the Falkland Islands. Research results were focused on aspects pertaining to (1) geographic variation in phenotypic characters (otolith shape); (2) a description of the spatial-temporal distribution patterns; (3) the active movements of deep-sea adults (tag-recapture study); and (4) the identification of early life-history dispersal through otolith microstructure and microchemical chronologies. Results from the study indicate high regional connectivity during the early life-history stages derived from at least two spawning contingents into spatially discrete nursery areas (cohort groups) on the Falklands Shelf. Fish followed distinct ontogenetic pathways into deeper waters adjacent to the areas wherein juvenile settlement into a demersal habitat occurred. There is little to no evidence of mixing among cohort groups during their ontogenetic migration into deep-sea adult habitats, reflecting a mixed population based on oceanographically defined egg and larval dispersal. The majority of the adult component of the population continue to display high site fidelity. However, between 9 and 25% of the population, consisting predominantly of larger reproductively capable adults undertake long-distance dispersal behaviour, identified as home-range relocations from the adult deep-sea habitats towards three of the known southern spawning grounds in the region. Results are suggestive of a requirement for improved collaborative efforts for regionally-based management approaches with careful consideration of local stock contingents. Future monitoring and research priorities should focus on the identification of reproductive potential, dispersal pathways and settlement patterns of stock contingents to inform the dynamics of mixed stock origins across the Patagonian region. While many aspects regarding the stock structure remain unresolved, results derived from the current studies can be used to inform the development of management measures to ensure the continued recovery and sustainable management of Patagonian toothfish within the region.]]> Thu 11 Jan 2024 18:07:47 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:65380 Sun 21 Jan 2024 14:30:44 SAST ]]>