Sand lance as cornerstone prey for predator populations

Sand lance (Ammodytes) constitute a major prey for at least some population s of over 100 species of consumer, including 40 species of birds, 12 specie s of marine mammals, 45 species of fishes, and some invertebrates. Variatio n in the availability of sand lance (and other forage fishes) can have majo r effects on the breeding success and survival of their predators. Commerci al fishing and other pressures on sand lance populations potentially have r amifying effects on many species of wildlife.