Feeding habits of northeast atlantic harp seals (phoca groenlandica) in the Barents Sea, August - September 1987

Stomach samples from 59 harp seals have been examined for a qualitative and quantitative analysis of their feeding habits in the Barents Sea. The most frequent food items were the amphipod Parathemisto libellula (55% vol.), fish (34% vol.) and the decapod Pandalus borealis (9% vol.). Of the fish polar cod (Boreogadus saida), Nybelin's sculpin (Triglops nybelini) and Greenland halibut (Reinhardtius hippoglossoides) made up the major part. Remains of the squid Gonatus fabricii were present in 29% of the stomachs, but made up only 1% of the volume on an average.