Abstract
A combination of stable isotopic measurements was used to study food web structure of Georges Bank, an important northwestern Atlantic fishing ground. Particulate, invertebrate, and fish samples were analyzed to test δ13C, δ15N, and δ34S measurements as trophic‐level indicators in offshore systems. Neither sulfur nor carbon measurements proved valuable. Sulfur isotopic compositions showed little change with trophic level, and an apparent diversity of phytoplankton carbon isotopic inputs at the base of the food web complicated use of δ13C to estimate trophic position. Nitrogen isotopic distributions were, however, robust measures of trophic position and showed four broad trophic levels; unsampled large top carnivores may represent a fifth trophic level.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
