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A calorific map of harbour porpoise prey in the North Sea 2019

Abstract

This project provides a first attempt to describe the spatiotemporal energetic availability of different prey species to harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) in the North Sea.

Summary

The importance of prey species for harbour porpoises was assessed through the estimated proportion (by reconstructed biomass) that prey species contributed to the diet. This was done by examining different studies that used stomach content analysis to determine the diet of harbour porpoises in the western North Sea. This method derives the estimated diet composition of undigested hard prey remains (e.g. otoliths) in stomach contents of stranded and bycaught individuals. Prey species that contributed ≥5% of the total prey weight (regardless of season or year) were selected as main prey species.

Resource type Publication

Topic category Environment

Reference date 2019·06·27

Citation
Ransijn, J.M., Booth, C. & Smout, S.C. 2019. A calorific map of harbour porpoise prey in the North Sea. JNCC Report No. 633. JNCC, Peterborough, ISSN 0963 8091.

Lineage
The overall goal of this project was to better understand the spatial and temporal variations in prey abundance and to map the calorific value of prey that might impact porpoise distribution.

Responsible organisation
Digital and Data Solutions, JNCC publisher

Limitations on public access No limitations

Use constraints Available under the Open Government Licence 3.0

Metadata date 2019·07·08

Metadata point of contact
Digital and Data Solutions, JNCC

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