Abstract
Analysis of 454 stomachs of ringed seals (Phoca hispida) collected from the Inuit hunt in six municipalities in West Greenland and 30 alimentary tracts collected by scientists in East Greenland, showed seasonal and regional differences in the diet. In Northwest and East Greenland polar cod (Boreogadus saida) and Arctic cod (Arctogadus glacialis) were the most dominant prey items. In contrast, seals in central West Greenland mainly preyed upon amphipods (Parathemisto spp.), capelin (Mallotus villosus), redfish (Sebastes sp.) and squid (Gonatus sp.), while capelin was the most important prey item in Southwest Greenland. The material from Uummannaq demonstrates seasonal variations, as euphausiids were common in spring, and snailfish (Liparis spp.) dominated from October through January, where after snailfish disappeared with the formation of fast ice. No age related differences in the diet were found in stomach samples from Avanersuaq, but in Upemavik crustaceans were more abundant in stomach samples from younger immature seals. Greenland halibut (Reinhardtius hippoglossoides) was only present in samples from seals older than 4 years. In Upemavik Arctic cod was the dominant prey item for seals caught in May at the iceedge, whereas polar cod dominated the samples from seals caught in open water.
Highlights
The ringed seal (Phoca hispida) is a diverse feeder with a diet ranging from pelagic amphipods to Arctic gadoids (i.e. polar cod (Boreogadus saida) and Arctic cod (Arctogadus glacialis» and more temperate species like capelin (Mallotus villosus) and redfish (Sebastes spp.)
Ringed seals collected at Baffin Island in the summer periods in 1938 and 1940 were mainly feeding on Parathemisto libellula and Dunbar (1941) concluded that the ringed seals were planktonic feeders
Differences due to habitat and season The samples from Upemavik in May-June were taken from three different habitats, i.e. open water, ice edge and fast ice (Table 3)
Summary
The ringed seal (Phoca hispida) is a diverse feeder with a diet ranging from pelagic amphipods to Arctic gadoids (i.e. polar cod (Boreogadus saida) and Arctic cod (Arctogadus glacialis» and more temperate species like capelin (Mallotus villosus) and redfish (Sebastes spp.). Ringed seals sampled in drifting ice had stomach contents consisting of pelagic amphipods, while polar cod constituted an important prey species for seals in coastal areas (Johansen 1910). McLaren (1958) studied ringed seal diet in southwestern Baffin Island, and P libellula , Mysis oculata and polar cod were found to be the most important prey items. Ringed seals collected at Baffin Island in the summer periods in 1938 and 1940 were mainly feeding on Parathemisto libellula and Dunbar (1941) concluded that the ringed seals were planktonic feeders. He concluded that ringed seals were opportunistic feeders and he found no food preferences related to age. Several studies have documented seasonal cycles of feeding habits (e.g. McLaren 1958, Johnson et a1.1966, Smith, 1987, Weslawski et al 1994)
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