Speaker: Su Sponaugle, Professor, Department of Integrative Biology, Oregon State University’s Hatfield Marine Science Center

Topic: Peering into the world of larval fishes: Tools & tales

Most marine fishes begin life as miniscule larvae that spend time in the pelagic ocean. This early life stage is particularly important as small changes in the survival of larval fishes can lead to large fluctuations in adult populations. Yet, it is very challenging to study these stages to understand what contributes to their survival because larvae are not only tiny and transparent, but they also occur rather diffusely in the large ocean. This combination of characteristics necessitates the use of unique research tools. Come and find out how we use several integrated tools to identify the oceanographic processes that influence growth and survival of young fishes. Five “fish tales” will illustrate how this approach helps us peer into the secret life of young fishes.