Abstract
Southern elephant seal (Mirounga leonina) populations appear remarkably unaffected by
interactions with humans. They are very tolerant of close human presence whilst they are ashore
for pupping, mating and moulting. Their behaviour in close proximity to helicopter operations
suggests disturbance of moulting male M. leonina is minimal. There is no evidence that M.
leonina have been affected by persistent organic pollutants; and few M. leonina have been
reported as having been injured or killed by interactions with fishery gear. The number of prey
species common to their diet and commercial fisheries in the Southern Ocean are few; but one
commercial squid species, Martialia hyadesi, accounted for as much as 94% of the biomass
consumed by M. leonina. Two harvested commercial squid species (Mar. hyadesi and
Todarodes filippovae) were found in the stomachs of M. leonina; and some other squid species
(Alluroteuthis antarcticus, Brachioteuthis spp., Gonatus antarcticus, Histeoteuthis spp.,
Kondokovia longimana, Moroteuthis ingens, Mor. knipovitchi, Pholidoteuthis boschmani and
Psychroteuthis glacialis) have potential as commercial catch too. There is cause for concern if a
future directed fishery for any of these species escalates or the by-catch of Mar. hyadesi and T.
filippovae in the Illex and Nototodarus fisheries increase. There is also concern if fin-fish
fisheries expand and take more of those species already taken by both M. leonina and fisheries.
These species are benthic (Notothenia squamifrons), benthopelagic (Dissostichus eleginoides
and Champsocephalus gunnari) and, perhaps most importantly, the pelagic myctophid species
(e.g., Electrona carlsbergi).
Subject
Animal Science and Zoology,Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics
Cited by
13 articles.
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