Pollock Conservation Cooperative Research Center
2002 Awarded Research Projects
Jellyfish impact on food web production and ecosystem structure in the southeastern Bering Sea
Award: $16,350
Estimated Completion: December 31, 2004
Abstract
We conducted a field study of jellyfish in the southeastern Bering Sea in summer 2000. The goal of the study was to elucidate the role ofjellyfish in food web production and ecosystem dynamics. Certain aspects ofthe original study were unexpected, particularly the time required to complete diet analyses ofthe primary species, the large scyphomedusan Chrysaora melanaster. In addition, we have undertaken additional GIS analyses not part ofthe original project. We request here support to complete the diet studies and expand the GIS analyses of relationships among jellyfish distributions and population dynamics, fish stock recruitment, and environmental features, such as wind and water temperatures. The results will make an important contribution to our understanding of ecosystem structure in the southeastern Bering Sea and variability related to climate change on interannual and decadal time scales in general. In particular, this study will provide valuable insights into the impact ofjellyfish, through predation and competition, on recruitment offishes of high economic and ecosystem importance.
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