Feeding patterns of harp seals (Phoca groenlandica) in coastal waters of West Greenland, with a note on offshore feeding
Kapel, F.O.; Angantyr, L.A. (1989). Feeding patterns of harp seals (Phoca groenlandica) in coastal waters of West Greenland, with a note on offshore feeding. CM Documents - ICES, C.M. 1989(N:6). International Council for the Exploration of the Sea: Copenhagen. 11 + tables + figures pp.
Part of: ICES CM Documents - ICES. ICES: Copenhagen. ISSN 1015-4744
The stomach contents of 661 harp seals (Phoca groenlandica) caught in West Greenland 1985-1988 were identified, and the food composition expressed as per cent volume, and as calculated per cent weight of consumed food. These data were supplemented by information from hunters' reports. The analyses show large regional and seasonal variation in the diet, and confirm previous statements that capelin (Mallotus villosus) is the dominant prey in spring and summer in Southwest and Central West Greenland, with crustaceans (euphausids and amphipods) as other important food items, particularly for young seals. In North and Northwest Greenland, polar cod (Boreogadus saida) and Arctic cod (Arctogadus glacialis) were the dominant fish species, along with pelagic euphausids and amphipods (Parathemisto spp.). The diet of harp seals wintering in Central West and Southwest Greenland is more varied, comprising a number of other fish species, prawns, and squid (Gonatus fabricii).
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