Feeding ecology of Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus) in the Norwegian Sea ...

• Main Authors: Langøy, Herdis, Nøttestad, Leif, Skaret, Georg, Broms, Cecilie T. Å., Fernö, Anders
• Format: Conference Object
• Language: unknown
• Published: ASC 2006 - Theme session F 2024
• Subjects: Fisheries and aquaculture; Ecosystem observation, processes and dynamics; Norwegian Sea; Calanus finmarchicus
• Online Access: https://dx.doi.org/10.17895/ices.pub.25258708; https://ices-library.figshare.com/articles/conference_contribution/Feeding_ecology_of_Atlantic_mackerel_Scomber_scombrus_in_the_Norwegian_Sea/25258708

No abstracts are to be cited without prior reference to the author.Previous studies on Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus) feeding during the highly migratory summer period are scarce. In this study we present detailed diet analyses and investigations of prey selection for Atlantic mackerel in relation to zooplankton distribution and hydrographical conditions in the Norwegian Sea in July 2004. A wide variety of prey organisms were found in the stomachs of mackerel in all water masses. According to dry weight was Limacina retroversa the principal prey in Coastal and Atlantic water masses. L. retroversa was presumably abundant in the Norwegian Sea and taken as secondary prey in the quest for more nutritious prey. Calanus finmarchicus was less important in all water masses than previously documented, also when combined with calanoidae copepod remainders, indicating that their descend to overwinter in deeper waters had already started in late July. Mackerel showed a size selective feeding behaviour and ...