Ecosystem based management and apex predators in the California current system
Abstract
?A key component of ecosystem-based management is better understanding and quantifying trophic interactions. Bioenergetics models use a combination of predator population energetic requirements, prey energy density, and predator diet composition to quantify consumption of prey resources and evaluate the impact of predator consumption on fishery and community resources. This project will continue data collection as part of ecosystem-based management approach in the California Current System related to foraging strategies, diving behavior, and habitat associations in an apex predator – California sea lion (Zalophus californianus). Information on prey composition and temporal changes in diet of California sea lions in ccentral California will be obtained through the examination and identification of prey hard parts found in fecal samples at Año Nuevo State Reserve. Food habits samples will be analyzed, and genetic analysis of samples will be performed to examine prey with hard parts that are digested rapidly (e.g., salmonids), and evaluation of diet changes over the time-series will be performed.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- May 20, 2016
- Source ID
- N000141512430
Entities
People
- Julie Thayer
Organizations
- Farallon Institute
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy