@article{fdi:010054365,
  title = {{M}ulti-element otolith fingerprints unravel sea-lagoon lifetime migrations of gilthead sea bream {S}parus aurata},
  author = {{M}ercier, {L}. and {M}ouillot, {D}. and {B}ruguier, {O}. and {V}igliola, {L}aurent and {D}arnaude, {A}. {M}.},
  editor = {},
  language = {{ENG}},
  abstract = {{P}recise knowledge of lifetime migrations is vital in exploited fish species, since all essential habitats must be protected to maintain sustainable stock levels. {T}he present study used multi-element otolith fingerprints of the gilthead sea bream {S}parus aurata ({L}.) to discriminate its main juvenile and adult habitats in the {L}anguedoc-{R}oussillon region ({G}ulf of {L}ions, northwest {M}editerranean) and infer the lifetime migrations of 12 individuals from the area (11 from the present day and 1 from the {R}oman era). {T}his allowed for the first time the identification of key habitats for the successful completion of the species' life cycle in the {G}ulf of {L}ions, and the connectivity between them. {O}ur results revealed that lagoon use by {S}. aurata is probably ancient (>2500 yr) and confirmed its current commonness. {Y}et, although most observed migration patterns were in accordance with the migratory behavior previously described for the species, strong inter-individual variations and new patterns in habitat use were detected. {A}t the juvenile stage, a preference for shallow lagoons with low salinities was evidenced. {N}evertheless, the first year of life can also be successfully completed in marine conditions. {A}t the adult stage, lagoon use was shown to occur until at least age 4 yr, with periods of lagoon residency of up to 11 mo in a year, often including winter months. {B}ecause overwintering in the lagoons was previously thought to be impossible for {S}. aurata due to low temperatures, this finding has important implications for future stock management, especially since the species breeds in winter.},
  keywords = {{O}tolith microchemistry ; {T}race elements ; {R}andom forest ; {K}ey habitats ; {G}ulf of {L}ions},
  booktitle = {},
  journal = {{M}arine {E}cology. {P}rogress {S}eries},
  volume = {444},
  numero = {},
  pages = {175--194},
  ISSN = {0171-8630},
  year = {2012},
  DOI = {10.3354/meps09444},
  URL = {https://www.documentation.ird.fr/hor/fdi:010054365},
}