Grant: Discovery Grants Program - Ship Time

Capelin, a small minnow-like fish, is the focal forage fish species that preys on many invertebrates and is in turn preyed on by most large predators, including cod, seals, whales and birds in the Northwest Atlantic. Capelin provide essential linkages for energy transfer among trophic levels and, thus, is often thought to mediate ecosystem-level changes. In previous NSERC-funded expeditions, we discovered capelin spawning in deep water (demersal) in coastal Newfoundland, where this species is primarily considered to spawn on beaches. Large aggregations of capelin form at these spawning sites, causing predators to concentrate. This results in areas where high abundances of organisms gather, often referred to as 'biological hotspots'. Our research aims to investigate spawning habitat selection of capelin, specifically whether capelin of varying age and experience select beach and demersal spawning habitat differently. Additionally, we compare the time and energy expended by foraging top predators when hotspots are present and absent. To do this, we employ a novel assemblage of sophisticated marine electronic equipment, both ship-based and moored, combined with animal-borne miniature telemetry devices to examine individual-level foraging decisions of predators and habitat selection behaviour of capelin. Our research involves collaborative efforts between university researchers and commercial fishers, which has and will continue to make major advancements in our understanding of capelin ecology and how changes influence top predators. Ultimately, this research will increase the accuracy of capelin stock assessment indices and promote novel, incisive fisheries management approaches. this will help us avoid ecological and socioeconomic catastrophes that have occurred in coastal waters and communities around the globe.