Timing matters: Early enrichment reduces vateritic otolith deformities in hatchery-reared coho salmon

Vateritic otoliths, abnormal calcium carbonate crystals that can replace aragonite in the inner ears of fish, occur far more frequently in hatchery-reared than wild salmonids and are associated with impaired hearing, reduced predator evasion, and potentially lower post-release survival. Because hatchery and aquaculture programs are increasingly important for food supply and stock enhancement, identifying practical rearing interventions that reduce vaterite formation is a priority. We tested whet