This workshop will explore temporal and spatial
patterns of ecosystem co-variation, production of lower trophic
level prey organisms by biophysical and climate forcing mechanisms,
and the response of marine bird and mammal diets to those patterns.
We will focus on two species of birds (Rhinoceros Auklet, Cerorhinca
monocerata, and one other) and two species of mammals (Steller
sea lions, Eumetopias jubatus, and one other) that, ideally,
have representation on both sides of the North Pacific Ocean, and
sufficient time series information to facilitate meaningful comparisons,
either within or between regions. The workshop will build on previous
efforts to examine bird and mammal prey consumption within the PICES
region (PICES Sci. Rpt. No. 14, 2000), and will facilitate the direct
comparisons of data sets which have been examined in isolation in
the past. We expect that the comparative approach will facilitate
detection of underlying causes for regional differences in ecosystem
organization, trophic transfer, and the timing of responses of marine
birds and mammals in relation to climate change events. We also
hope that the workshop will provide a forum for directed discussions
with physical, biological and fisheries oceanographers, and will
serve to launch future collaborations within the PICES community.
Publications
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