Analysis of seasonality in trophic relationships of true seals (Phocideae) in the White Sea

• Main Authors: Svetocheva, Olga N., Svetochev, Vladislav N.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Masaryk Univerzity 2015
• Subjects: diet; qualitative feeding structure; trophic competition; seals activity; White Sea; Harp Seal
• Online Access: http://journals.muni.cz/CPR/article/view/12880

The analysis of interspecific trophic relations of true seals in the White Sea on the basis of long-term study, done on feeding, is shown. Main finding is that the ringed and bearded seals have no competitive interrelations. Contrastingly, the harp seal had an impact on background seals, intensity of the competition was, however, insignificant due of harp seal seasonal stay in the White Sea. The ice-free seals, i.e. grey and harbor seals, did not show a trophic competition with ice-liking seals thanks to seasonality of stay in the White Sea and insignificant number. The trophic competition of these seals to other pinnipeds is possible at restoration of areas.