Ecogeochemistry-the application of geochemical techniques to fundamental questions in population and community ecology-has been used in animal migration studies in terrestrial environments for several decades; however, the approach has received far less attention in marine systems. This review includes comprehensive meta-analyses of organic zooplankton d 13 C and d 15 N values at the base of the food web, dissolved inorganic carbon d 13 C values, and seawater d 18 O values to create, for the first time, robust isoscapes for the Atlantic Ocean. These isoscapes present far greater geographic variability in multiple geochemical tracers than was previously thought, thus forming the foundation for reconstructions of habitat use and migration patterns of marine organisms. We review several additional tracers, including trace-element-to-calcium ratios and heavy element stable isotopes, to examine anadromous migrations. We highlight the value of the ecogeochemistry approach by examining case studies on three components of connectivity: dispersal and natal homing, functional connectivity, and migratory connectivity. We also discuss recent advances in compound-specific stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analyses for tracking animal movement. A better understanding of isotopic routing and fractionation factors, particularly of individual compound classes, is necessary to realize the full potential of ecogeochemistry.

Conservation and management efforts for white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) remain hampered by a lack of basic demographic information including age and growth rates. Sharks are typically aged by counting growth bands sequentially deposited in their vertebrae, but the assumption of annual deposition of these band pairs requires testing. We compared radiocarbon (Δ14C) values in vertebrae from four female and four male white sharks from the northwestern Atlantic Ocean (NWA) with reference chronologies documenting the marine uptake of 14C produced by atmospheric testing of thermonuclear devices to generate the first radiocarbon age estimates for adult white sharks. Age estimates were up to 40 years old for the largest female (fork length [FL]: 526 cm) and 73 years old for the largest male (FL: 493 cm). Our results dramatically extend the maximum age and longevity of white sharks compared to earlier studies, hint at possible sexual dimorphism in growth rates, and raise concerns that white shark populations are considerably more sensitive to human-induced mortality than previously thought.

Age and growth estimates for the dusky shark, Carcharhinus obscurus, were derived from vertebral centra collected in the northwestern Atlantic Ocean. Sample collection spanned the years prior to and following the implementation of management measures . Growth was compared pre-and post-population depletion and pre-and post-management to investigate the possibility of density-mediated shifts in age and growth parameters over time. There was no evidence of difference between periods for either sex. Additionally, bomb radiocarbon dating was used to determine the periodicity of band pair formation. Results support the traditional interpretation of annual band pairs up to approximately 11 years of age. After this time, vertebral counts considerably underestimate true age. Maximum validated ages were estimated to be between 38 and 42 years of age (an increase of 15 to 19 years over the band count estimates), confirming longevity to at least 42 years of age. Growth curves estimated using only validated data were compared to those generated using band pair counts. Logistic growth parameters derived from validated vertebral length-at-age data were L ∞ = 261.5 cm FL, L o =85.5 cm, t o =4.89 year and g= 0.15 year −1 for the sexes combined. Revised estimates of age at maturity were 17.4 years for males and 17.6 years for females.

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White sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) are highly migratory, ecologically important, vulnerable, and understudied marine predators. Ecogeochemistry, which takes advantage of natural variations in chemical signatures recorded in body tissues, can help determine lifetime movement, age, and ontogenetic diet history in difficult to study species. Shark vertebrae are constructed of distinct layers of tissue laid down sequentially over an individual's lifetime and may preserve a chemical record of environmental exposure. In this thesis, I investigate the ecology of the understudied northwest Atlantic (NWA) white shark population by applying several ecogeochemistry techniques to their vertebrae. I generate the first radiocarbon (A14C) age estimates for adult white sharks, dramatically extending the maximum age and longevity compared to earlier age studies. A 14 C results also verify a lack of reworking of vertebral material and hint at possible sexual dimorphism in growth rates. Using amino acid and bulk stable isotope analyses, I show that individual sharks have marked variation in feeding and movement, and that pinnipeds do not constitute a large portion of their diet. Finally, I explore the utility of elemental chemistry to retrospectively infer movement. This work provides an important informational baseline for future NWA white shark ecological studies and conservation and management efforts.