Details of Award
NERC Reference : NER/A/S/2001/01053
Foraging strategy of a free-ranging marine fish predator in microhabitats varying in prey abundance and availability.
Grant Award
- Principal Investigator:
- Professor D Sims, Marine Biological Association, The Laboratory
- Co-Investigator:
- Professor D Morritt, Royal Holloway, Univ of London, Biological Sciences
- Grant held at:
- Marine Biological Association, The Laboratory
- Science Area:
- Marine
- Overall Classification:
- Marine
- ENRIs:
- Natural Resource Management
- Biodiversity
- Science Topics:
- Behavioural Ecology
- Abstract:
- The foraging behaviour of predators not only determines species distribution patterns, but influences the dynamics and stability of prey populations. However despite a large body of laboratory work testing prey selection theory, to our knowledge there have been no attempts to test theoretical predictions in free-ranging marine fish predators. The proposed research will lest the hypothesis arising from the optimal diet model, that a fish predator (the dogfish, Scyliorhinus canicula) has higher search times per prey item consumed, and hence a broader diet, in a relatively unproductive environment compared to productive habitat. This novel project will combine fine-scale tracking of dogfish foraging trips with sampling of stomach contents post-foraging. Together with simultaneous invertebrate prey abundance surveys, this approach will reconcile the foraging movements of wild dogfish with actual prey consumption across different quality microhabitats.
- Period of Award:
- 9 Dec 2002 - 8 Apr 2006
- Value:
- £170,719 Lead Split Award
Authorised funds only
- NERC Reference:
- NER/A/S/2001/01053
- Grant Stage:
- Completed
- Scheme:
- Standard Grants Pre FEC
- Grant Status:
- Closed
- Programme:
- Standard Grant
This grant award has a total value of £170,719
FDAB - Financial Details (Award breakdown by headings)
Total - Staff | Total - T&S | Total - Other Costs | Total - Indirect Costs | Total - Equipment |
---|---|---|---|---|
£74,310 | £10,975 | £6,675 | £34,182 | £44,577 |
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