Feeding ecology of harp and hooded seals in the Davis Strait — Baffin Bay region

Abstract

Results of stomach contents analyses of material collected in West Greenland waters in the period 1986–1993 are reviewed, and compared with published data and circumstantial information from local hunters. The diet of harp seals feeding in this region is variable but consists mainly of pelagic crustaceans (euphausids and amphipods) and small fish species such as capelin, sandeel, polar cod and Arctic cod. Species of importance for commercial fisheries in Greenland, such as Northern prawn, Atlantic cod, and Greenland halibut play a minor role in the diet of harp seals in this area. Variation in the diet of hooded seals is less well documented, but in addition to the species also taken by harp seals, larger demersal fishes such as Greenland halibut, redfish, cod, and wolffish are apparently important prey items. Published data on harp seal feeding in the Canadian Arctic are briefly reviewed; they indicate a variation in food composition between seasons and areas similar to what was found in Greenland waters. Detailed information on hooded seal diet in the Canadian Arctic was not found. Information on population sizes, distribution and abundance of harp and hooded seals is reviewed. On this basis it is suggested that it is possible to develop density indices by area and season for harp and hooded seal in coastal waters of Greenland, and to use such indices combined with feeding data to estimate food consumption in this region. Similar indices may be developed for the Canadian Arctic, and for offshore areas, to arrive at total consumption by the seal stocks during their migrations and stay in the Davis Strait — Baffin Bay region.