'The Korea Society of Information Technology Services'
Abstract
The harp seal Phoca groenlandica is the most abundant seal
species in the Barents Sea. In order to evaluate the ecological
importance of the species, diet studies have recently been
carried out at various times of the year. In 1992, data were
collected from seals sampled between the breeding and moulting
seasons (March-May). There is no doubt that the animals feed
during this period. From examinations of stomach and intestine
contents, harp seals, sampled in the southwestern parts
(Varangerfjord, North Norway) of the Barents Sea, appeared to
have been feeding intensively on capelin Mallotus villosus. The
harp seal diet in the commercial hunting areas north of the White
Sea (the East Ice) consisted of prawns Pandalus borealis,
capelin, cod Gadus morhua, saithe Pollachius virens, sculpins
(Cottidae), snailfish (Liparidae) and long rough dab
(Hippoglossoides plattessoides). Feeding in the East Ice area and
in the White Sea appeared to have been less intensive than
further to the west. In the White Sea the harp seals had been
feeding mainly on crustaceans and the fishes sandeels
(Ammodytidae), capelin and White Sea herring (Clupea harengus
marisalbi)
