Using stable isotopes to understand changes in ringed seal foraging ecology as a response to a warming environment

摘要: Trends toward increased temperatures, reduced sea ice extent, and longer open water seasons have resulted in changing Arctic ecosystem dynamics. Expected changes include shifts distribution abundance of prey species for seabirds marine mammals. Using stable isotope analysis, we studied spatial interannual variation ringed seal (Pusa hispida) feeding ecology Hudson Bay relation to environmental variables, between 2003 2010. Ringed muscle hair samples collected from Arviat Sanikiluaq, Nunavut, were analyzed ratios nitrogen (d 15 N) carbon 13 C). Seals western (Arviat) had higher d N lower C than seals eastern (Sanikiluaq), varied interannually within each region. Peak occurred years with spring air temperatures approximately –5° Ca nd –2°C. This temperature range was characteristic warm cool Bay. We hypothesize that the high observed is indicative greater importance capelin (Mallotus villosus) diet. A comparison isotopic niche widths indicated dietary differences warming, suggesting a possible ecological divergence related climate change.