Capelin (Mallotus villosus) as an important food source for northern fulmars (Fulmarus glacialis) breeding at Bjornoya (Bear Island), Barents Sea

The food and feeding ecology of northern fulmars Fulmarus glacialis was inv estigated in July 1999 at Bjornoya (Bear Island). Fulmars relied almost exc lusively on fish during the brooding period. The main fish prey was capelin Mallotus villosus (87.0% by reconstituted mass). Atlantic cod Gadus morhua accounting for most of the remainder (9.7% by reconstituted mass). The est imated total length of capelin and Atlantic cod eaten averaged 15 and 17 cm , respectively. Adult fulmars performed short foraging trips averaging 8 ho urs H hen brooding chicks. and they foraged at a mean maximum distance of a bout 60 km. the birds being concentrated on the shelf surrounding the islan d. The study emphasizes the importance of capelin as a key link between zoo plankton and top predators, including seabirds. in the pelagic ecosystem of the Barents Sea. (C) 2001 International Council for the Exploration of the Sea.