Identification of anadromous Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus) stocks in coastal areas of northern Labrador based on a multivariate statistical analysis of meristic data

Abstract

Variation in meristic characters of northern Labrador anadromous Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus) was analysed using a recently developed multivariate statistical technique for meristic data. Meristic characters of 1037 specimens from seven areas were analysed. Results suggest that at least seven discrete stocks can be identified. Separation of stocks based on meristic characters is substantiated by differences in biological characteristics such as growth rate, age at maturation, and distribution patterns of tagged fish. Pectoral fin ray and upper gill raker counts on the first left gill arch were found to be the most important characters in identifying different stocks of northern Labrador Arctic charr.