Core otolith chemistry of capelin (Mallotus villosus) in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, 2022-2024

Lawrence (GSL), Canada, between 2022 and 2024 (398 in 2022, 149 in 2023, and 380 in 2024). For each individual, the right sagittal otolith was analysed by Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS), and the core values of seven elements (Li, B, Mg, K, Zn, Sr, Ba) are reported as element-to-calcium ratios (Li, B, and Mg log-transformed).

These seven elements were retained because they discriminate three regions within the GSL (Estuary, South, and SBi; see Jac et al., 2026). Fish were sampled from two sources: commercial fisheries (May-July, spawning period) and DFO scientific multispecies bottom-trawl surveys (August-September, post-spawning period). The dataset underpins the study of regional connectivity and partial residency of capelin in the GSL.