Climate change-related shifts in species interactions and diet in an Arctic marine ecosystem
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Date
2018
Authors
Ogloff, Wesley
Ogloff, Wesley
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Abstract
With climate change, temperate species are becoming increasingly able to occupy Arctic regions that were previously unsuitable. In Cumberland Sound, Nunavut, the forage fish capelin has become abundant in recent decades, as has the seasonally-migrant harp seal during the summer months. Coincident have been reported decreases to resident ringed seal numbers. While capelin foraging is well studied in other regions, it is less so in Cumberland Sound. In addition, no research has yet examined whether harp seals may act as competitors to Cumberland Sound ringed seals. The objectives of this thesis were to (1) quantify capelin diet and isotopic niche characteristics, and (2) examine ringed and harp seal diet and isotopic niches and determine the degree of overlap. Results from this thesis have provided insight into trophic interactions within the Cumberland Sound food web and provide a baseline for future studies examining the impacts of climate change in Arctic ecosystems.
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Keywords
Ringed seal, Harp seal, Capelin, Foraging ecology, Arctic, Diet, Stable isotopes, Stomach contents