Micro-PIXE analysis of trace elements in otoliths has been used as the basi
s for several projects on char, a fish that is important for aboriginal sub
sistence fisheries in Arctic Canada. Life-history patterns were originally
inferred from micro-PIXE line scans of Sr distribution. These were confirme
d by superposition of Sr distribution patterns on optical images of otolith
s of tag-recaptured fish. Char from various populations showed differentiat
ion in otolith primordial Sr concentration; this enables us to differentiat
e biological stocks and, it is hoped, eventually to assign individuals from
mixed-stock fisheries to their stock of origin. Zn oscillations also corre
late with annular structure and provide additional temporally constrained i
nformation on fish habitat and behaviour. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. Al
l rights reserved.