Details of Award

NERC Reference : NER/M/S/2002/00077

Fatty acids and stable isotopes: a new approach to the trophic ecology of the deep-sea ichthyofauna.

Principal Investigator:: Dr R McAllen, University of Aberdeen, Inst of Biological and Environmental Sci
Grant held at:: University of Aberdeen, Inst of Biological and Environmental Sci

Abstract:: The deep-sea is generally considered a food-limited environment and therefore it has been postulated that food availability may well be the key determining factor affecting organism distribution. Many species of deep-sea fish are opportunistic scavengers and show a 'Bigger-Deeper' trend in distribution. However, studies of the diet of such deep-sea species have been relatively unreliable because of the regurgitation of prey due to the hydrostatic decompression of the gas filled swimbladder. Furthermore, any available data of this nature only reflects single feeding events and are not quantitatively representative. We propose to use Fatty acid and Stable Isotope analysis as novel approaches to provide us with information on integrated diet over time. Fatty acids and Stable Isotope analysis have been established as tools to investigate foraging. However, this study will be the first to apply these techniques to study the deep-sea ichthyofauna. The study will quantify the diet of several species of benthopelagic fish to assess the importance of scavenging, seasonality, vertical migration and ontogenetic changes in the various life history strategies. This will significantly advance our knowledge of deep-sea foodwebs and so provide excellent opportunities for future research into trophic regimes.

Authorised funds only

This grant award has a total value of £34,273

Total - T&S	Total - Staff	Total - Other Costs	Total - Indirect Costs
£1,419	£18,282	£6,162	£8,409

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