Application of two methods for determining diet of northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus)

Examination of hard parts recovered from scats (feces) is currently the most common method for determining the diet of pinnipeds. However, large or sharp prey remains may be spewed (regurgitated) biasing prey composition and size estimations in diet studies based on scats. Percent frequency of occurrence (FO%) and age or size of selected prey remains recovered from northern fur seal (Callorhinus ursinus) scat (n=3444) and spew samples (n=267) collected from rookeries on St. George Island and St. Paul Island, Alaska, between 1990 and 2000 were compared to determine if a bias in prey composition and age or size estimations existed between scats and spews. Overall prey composition was similar between sample type and location, but the relative FO% of primary prey (≥5%) varied by sample type and location. Age or size estimates of walleye pollock (Theragra chalcogramma) and of two species of gonatid squids (Gonatopsis borealis and Berryteuthis magister) were significantly larger in spews than in scats. Observed differences in FO% and estimated age or size of prey species whose remains were found in scats and spews likely result from size-selective digestion of prey remains. Scats were biased toward smaller prey remains, whereas spews were biased toward larger prey remains and cephalopod beaks. The percent overlap between age classes of walleye pollock caught by the commercial trawl fishery and age classes of walleye pollock consumed by northern fur seals varied noticeably between sample types for both islands (scats: St. George=15. 5%; St. Paul=4.1%; spews: St. George=94.6%; St. Paul=89.6%). These results demonstrate that the inclusion of multiple sampling methods allows for a more accurate assessment of northern fur seal prey occurrence and prey age and size.

The Geographic Distribution of Bowhead Whales, Balaena mysticetus, in the Bering, Chukchi, and Beaufort Seas: Evidence from Whaleship Records, 1849–1914

We have extracted, digitized, and analyzed information about bowhead whales, Balaena mysticetus, contained in records of whaling cruises that were undertaken in the Bering, Chukchi, and Beaufort Seas from 1849 to 1914. Our database consists of 65,000 days of observations which provide insights into whether this bowhead stock may comprise more than one population.

Regional Fisheries Advisory Committee 3rd May, 1976.

This is the report from the Regional Fisheries Advisory Committee meeting, which was held on the 3rd May 1976. The report contains information on the regional fisheries organization, the review of the Water Industry in England and Wales, fisheries improvement work on the River Leven, Mitton Hatchery, new code of fishery byelaws, proposed byelaws (Coniston) and temporary licences. The Fisheries Advisory Committee was part of the Regional Water Authorities, in this case the North West Water Authority. This preceded the Environment Agency which came into existence in 1996.

Lune, Wyre & Furness Fisheries Advisory Committee 5th May, 1975

This is the report from the Lune, Wyre and Furness Fisheries Advisory Committee meeting, which was held on the 5th May, 1975. It covers information on fishery byelaws, Eel trapping, and a report by the Unit Fisheries Officer on fisheries activities. This section includes work on stocking, fisheries management, fish mortalities, migratory fish runs for the Rivers Lune, Wyre and Furness during 1974. Catch returns and spawning information for 1974 are also covered aswell as biological work and the approval of River Leven work. Other areas looked at include licence duties and inportation of live freshwater fish. The Fisheries Advisory Committee was part of the Regional Water Authorities, in this case the North West Water Authority. This preceded the Environment Agency which came into existence in 1996.

South Lancashire Fisheries Advisory Committee 7th May, 1975

This is the report from the South Lancashire Fisheries Advisory Committee meeting, which was held on the 7th May, 1975. It covers information on fishery byelaws, eel trapping, and a report by the Unit Fisheries Officer on fisheries activities. This section includes work on stocking, fisheries management, fish mortalities including date, location, number, species and cause. Migratory fish runs for the Rivers Ribble and Hodder during 1974 are also added. Catch returns and spawning information for 1974 are also covered aswell as biological work undertaken. Licence duties and information on the importation of live freshwater fish are included. The Fisheries Advisory Committee was part of the Regional Water Authorities, in this case the North West Water Authority. This preceded the Environment Agency which came into existence in 1996.

Regional Fisheries Advisory Committee 12th May, 1975

This is the report from the Regional Fisheries Advisory Committee meeting, which was held on the 12th May, 1975. The report covers the minutes from the previous meetings of the Local Fisheries Advisory Committees, licence duties, fishery byelaws, and regional fish hatchery requirements. Also included is information on the long term angling leases on Authority waters. The Fisheries Advisory Committee was part of the Regional Water Authorities, in this case the North West Water Authority. This preceded the Environment Agency which came into existence in 1996.

Regional Fisheries Advisory Committee 2nd May, 1978

This is the report from the Regional Fisheries Advisory Committee meeting, which was held on the 2nd May 1978. The report contains the minutes of the last meetings of the Local Fisheries Advisory Committees, income and expenditure and the enforcement of licensing provisions. Also included is information on Stocks Reservoir, which includes the proposals for public angling. The Fisheries Advisory Committee was part of the Regional Water Authorities, in this case the North West Water Authority. This preceded the Environment Agency which came into existence in 1996.

Regional Fisheries Advisory Committee 20th May, 1985

This is the report from the Regional Fisheries Advisory Committee meeting, which was held on the 20th May, 1985. The report contains sections on fishing licence duties in 1986, lead poisoning in swans, Authority investigations into acidity problems in rivers in Cumbria, fishing offences processed, Fish Counter statistics, and the fisheries liaison meeting report. The section on Authority investigations into acidity problems in rivers in Cumbria pays attention on investigations carried out by the University of Lancaster and Freshwater Biological Association about acidity problems, particularly in the Rivers Duddon and Esk since 1980. This section contains biological findings, a chemical sampling programme, results from continuous pH monitors, and catchment liming. The Fisheries Advisory Committee was part of the Regional Water Authorities, in this case the North West Water Authority. This preceded the Environment Agency which came into existence in 1996.

West Cumbria Special Fisheries Advisory Group 16th May, 1986

This is the report from the West Cumbria Special Fisheries Advisory Group meeting, which was held on the 16th May, 1986. The report contains sections on a Fish Pass at Ennerdale, Authority proposals for discharge of compensation water from Ennerdale and a diagram of fish pass at Ennerdale. The Fisheries Advisory Committee was part of the Regional Water Authorities, in this case the North West Water Authority. This preceded the Environment Agency which came into existence in 1996.