Regional Science and Technology Fund
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Esta é uma presença online oficial do Governo dos Açores
Ecology of cetacean/cephalopod interactions in the Azores
- StateONGOING
- NameStéphanie Suciu
- Entity hostOKEANOS
- University awarding the degreeUniversity of the Azores
- Science Networks
Objective
Using a participatory science approach, MONICEPH aims to collect cephalopod remains and cetacean feces found at sea during whale observation. The cephalopod pieces are considered to be “left-over” from cetaceans’ meals. The feces of cetaceans provide precious information to study the diet of these marine mammals. The goal of this project is to gain knowledge about the ecology of deep-water cephalopods and the diet of cetaceans off the Azores.s.
Results e Impact
Cephalopods have a structuring role in oceanic ecosystems, linking trophic levels by feeding on a variety of fishes and invertebrates and being eaten by a wide range of predators.
The unstable population dynamics of oceanic cephalopods is likely to be an important factor influencing the distribution of teuthophagous cetaceans, with effects on conservation but also on economic activities, given the importance of whale watching.
This work helps to increase the knowledge about the relation between oceanic cephalopods and cetaceans.
