Marine Heat Wave Increased Variance and Decreased Productivity at Bering Strait during 2015–2016

Planktivorous auklets registered changes across two years of a marine heat wave (2015–2016). Colony attendance crested (Aethia cristatella) was reduced (35–50%) at Little Diomede I., AK, in the latter part June 2016 compared to 2015. The pattern similar for least (A. pusilla). An anomalous distribution and consumption were noted auklets. A plot δ15N/δ13C spanned three times range vs. Crested auklet RBC’s had lower δ13C values higher δ15N 2016. Least growing primaries showed same pattern. Advected production is important, but enrichment may have occurred later Julian Date sampling more strongly correlated with RBCs (r = 0.47, p < 0.001) than 2015 0.31, 0.01). baseline corticosterone (t0.05(2)27 2.56, 0.05) variances auklet’s citrus-like odorant less evident ceased earlier summer. Bill pigmentation incomplete 11% (n 82) are proxies ecosystem. Increased content imposed additive costs that decreased productivity some top predators.