Aquaculture and Fisheries Commons^™

The Relationship Between Ocean-Climate Indices And Diet Of Rhinoceros Auklets (Cerorhinca Monocerata) , Christine Anderson

Summer Research

Marine system productivity varies as a result of changing ocean-climate indices and cascade through trophic levels, impacting marine mammals and birds. Rhinoceros Auklets (Cerorhinca monocerata) are nesting seabirds in the North Pacific and can indicate variation in marine conditions via diet composition. I will analyze the relationship of Rhinoceros Auklet diets and ocean-climate indices by comparing diet composition and diversity on two islands in differing marine systems. I will also use oceanographic indices to evaluate any correlations between ocean-climate effects and diet variability in populations, providing insights into what physical forcing mechanisms may affect diet, and ultimately reproductive performance, of …