Forage fish
Catch prey while the sun shines – Herring grow bigger when they can see their food
It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a sea creature in possession of a home in higher latitudes (further from the equator), must (on average) possess more size than its mid latitude neighbors. But why should high latitude fish be in possession of such a good fortune? Kristin HuizengaI am a PhD student studying Biological […]
An arms race: Foraging Fish vs. Rorqual Whales
Ever wonder how filter feeding whales are able to capture smaller, fast fish? The authors of this study looked at exactly how the feeding behavior of these whales allows them to catch fast, easily maneuverable foraging fish. Samantha SettaI’m a PhD student in the Rynearson Lab at the University of Rhode Island (URI) Graduate School […]
Small but mighty: the importance of forage fish to larger marine creatures
Forage fish like menhaden or capelin are vital to the health of larger marine animals; read on to learn how researchers from the University of Manitoba looked into just how important forage fish are to a northwestern Atlantic food web! Anna RobuckI am a third year PhD student at the University of Rhode Island Graduate […]
Finding Nemo was right: what you flush down the drain can impact ocean creatures
Microplastics + pharmaceuticals in your pee + increased temperatures = trouble for some fish Anna RobuckI am a third year PhD student at the University of Rhode Island Graduate School of Oceanography in the Lohmann Lab. My current research interests include environmental chemistry, water quality, as well as coastal and seabird ecology. When not in […]
Big Fishing on (Important) Little Fish
Forage fish may be little as individuals, but their big schools have a big impact on marine ecosystems. They serve as an essential link in marine food webs, utilized by all types of predators like sharks, seals, birds, whales, and other large fish. Humans also harvest incredible quantities of these fish each year, potentially putting […]
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