Population connectivity in a highly migratory fish, Japanese Spanish mackerel (Scomberomorus niphonius), along the Chinese coast, implications from otolith chemistry

•Population connectivity of Scomberomorus niphonius was studied along the Chinese coast.•New findings were obtained from otolith chemistry.•The population connectivity of S. niphonius is throughout the whole life history.•S. niphonius in the East China Sea are probably self-sustaining.•S. niphonius in the Yellow Sea proved to be multiple natal origins.