Natural dimethyl sulfide gradients would lead marine predators to higher prey biomass

Abstract Finding prey is essential to survival, with marine predators hypothesised track chemicals such as dimethyl sulfide (DMS) while foraging. Many are attracted artificially released DMS, and laboratory experiments have shown that zooplankton grazing on phytoplankton accelerates DMS release. However, whether natural concentrations useful for correlated areas of high biomass remains a fundamental knowledge gap. Here, we used concurrent hydroacoustic surveys in situ measurements present evidence spatially concentration air seawater. Using agent simulations, also show following gradients would lead higher than swimming randomly. Further understanding the conditions scales over which these occur, how they by predators, predicting impact future changes ocean predator foraging success.