Otolith shape differences between ecotypes of Icelandic cod (Gadus morhua) with known migratory behaviour inferred from data storage tags

Otolith shape can be used to identify ecotypes of the Icelandic cod (Gadus morhua) stock. The use of data storage tags has increased our knowledge of the stock structure of Icelandic cod. The profiles of tagged cod reveal different migratory strategies. This has led to the definition of two ecotypes within the cod stock. Frontal ecotypes reside in deep waters during feeding season and express a highly variable temperature profile associated with thermal fronts, while coastal ecotypes stay in shallow waters all year round. In this study, the data storage tag profiles were analysed with cluster analysis, which revealed the existence of an intermediate behaviour that expresses a variable depth profile and feeding migration that is both shorter in time and not as deep. The main objective was to develop a morphological key based on otoliths to distinguish the ecotypes. The shape of the otoliths was extracted with shape measurements and fast Fourier transforms. A discriminant function analysis indicated a difference in morphology between the ecotypes, resulting in successful classification.