Ringed Seal Diet and Body Condition in the Amundsen Gulf region, Eastern Beaufort Sea

Diet from stomach contents and body condition morphometric measurements were obtained for 169 (108 stomachs analysed) ringed seals (Pusa hispida) the Amundsen Gulf region in western Canadian Arctic 2015 to 2018. Sampling was subsistence-harvested three communities of Paulatuk (spring, summer, autumn), Sachs Harbour (summer), Ulukhaktok (winter), Northwest Territories. Stomach separated through sieves by hand, taxa identified lowest taxonomic level possible weighed. Stomachs fullest (by weight prey count) autumn, which suggests that foraging most intense successful at time. A total 93 taxa, including 17 fish 76 invertebrate species identified. Several regularly found together, common being cod (Boreogadus saida), sand lance (Ammodytes hexapterus), capelin (Mallotus villosus), hyperiid amphipods (Themisto spp.). Condition inferred blubber thickness, although showing considerable variation among sites years, had a seasonal relationship with maximal depth during autumn winter. Overall, diet broadly similar those reported other areas while also indicating some degree regional specificity. When compared same area 1980s, results presented here more diverse, new or increased numbers subarctic (e.g., saffron cod, Eleginus gracilis) samples. This finding is likely consequence climate warming, as increasing move north warming ocean temperatures Arctic.