Consumption of Northern contingent Atlantic Mackerel (Scomber scombrus) by various predators

Thumbnail image

Download files

Language of the publication
English
Date
2024
Type
Report
Author(s)
  • Van Beveren, Elisabeth
  • Smith, Brian
  • Smith, Laurel
  • Pelletier, David
Publisher
Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat

Abstract

Atlantic mackerel is a forage fish species preyed upon by various predators, including seabirds, pinnipeds, cetaceans, tuna and groundfish. We assessed the potential order of magnitude of total mackerel consumed by each of these groups, and any change therein. This is a first step to incorporate ecosystem considerations within the mackerel stock assessment and inform assumptions on the natural mortality rate. We concluded that an ensemble of predators is likely driving overall natural mortality patterns, with apparent changes in the relative contribution of each predator group over time. The reliability of consumption estimates varied between predators, but there was indication that overall absolute removals might have increased over time, despite possibly large interannual variations. Depending on the functional response between each predator and mackerel density, this increase could translate into a rise in the natural mortality rate, as estimated spawning stock biomass has been below or near the limit reference point since 2011. The likely increase in mackerel consumption is also inverse to changes in fishery landings; during the 10 last years (2012-2021) mackerel consumption by predators became likely at least twice as high as reported Canadian landings (<11 kt).

Description

1 online resource (v, 41 pages) : charts

Subject

  • Nature and environment,
  • Water

Pagination

v, 41 pages

Identifiers

Government document number
Fs70-5/2024-018E-PDF
ISBN
9780660705590
ISSN
1919-5044

Report

Report no.
2024/018
Series title
Document de recherche (Secrétariat canadien des avis scientifiques)

Citation(s)

Van Beveren, E., Smith, B., Smith, L., and Pelletier, D. 2024. Consumption of Northern Contingent Atlantic Mackerel (Scomber scombrus) by Various Predators. DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Res. Doc. 2024/018. v + 41 p.

Download(s)

URI

Collection(s)

Fisheries

Full item page

Full item page

Page details

Date modified: