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Details of Award

NERC Reference : NER/A/S/2001/01251

Foraging strategy of a free-ranging marine fish predator in microhabitats varying in prey abundance and availability

Grant Award

Principal Investigator:
Professor D Sims, Royal Holloway, Univ of London, Biological Sciences
Co-Investigator:
Professor D Morritt, Royal Holloway, Univ of London, Biological Sciences
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:
10 Dec 2002 - 9 Apr 2006
Value:
£22,914 Split Award
Authorised funds only
NERC Reference:
NER/A/S/2001/01251
Grant Stage:
Completed
Scheme:
Standard Grants Pre FEC
Grant Status:
Closed
Programme:
Standard Grant

This grant award has a total value of £22,914  

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FDAB - Financial Details (Award breakdown by headings)

Total - T&STotal - StaffTotal - Other CostsTotal - Indirect Costs
£486£14,907£663£6,857

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