Research Document - 1999/070
A review of information relevant to the issue of consumption of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) by seal species in the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence.
By M. Hammill, J.F. Gosselin, F. Proust and D. Chabot
Abstract
Four species of seals: grey seals (Halichorus grypus), harbour seals (Phoca vitulina), harp seals (Phoca groenlandica) and hooded seals (Cystophora cristata) occur in the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence. Harp seals and grey seals are the most important seal predators owing to their abundance (harp seals), or time of residency in this area and possibly high incidence of cod in the diet (grey seals). Harbour seals and hooded seals are less important predators in this region owing to their small numbers. Pinniped consumption of cod in 4T may be in the order of 5,000-13,000 t, but these estimates should only be considered as very tentative. The absence of comprehensive diet information for pinnipeds in the southern Gulf, is one of the major factors limiting attempts to quantify groundfish consumption in this area. Furthermore, the impact of predation on 4T cod stocks cannot be evaluated until predation is considered within the context of total natural mortality.
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