An assessment of de-calcification procedures for δ13C and δ15N analysis of yellow perch, walleye and Atlantic salmon scales

The scales of three species of fishes, yellow perch Perca flavescens, walleye Sander vitreus and Atlantic salmon Salmo salar, were acidified and the isotopic signatures were compared to non-acidified scales from the same fishes. No significant acidification effects on either carbon or nitrogen isotope signatures were found. Results contrast with earlier literature findings noting significant acidification effects and suggest acidification tests be undertaken before scales are used for temporal reconstruction of fish food web positions.