The diet and diving behaviour of the ringed seal (Pusa hispida) in Kangia (Ilulissat Icefjord), Greenland

Ringed seals (Pusa hispida) in Kangia, Ilulissat Icefjord, Greenland, exhibit unique diving behaviors and dietary preferences that highlight their ecological adaptability. Adult males frequently dive to depths of 400 meters, while subadults typically stay around 150 meters, with deeper dives observed more in winter. Stomach content analysis revealed that polar cod, capelin, mysids, and shrimps dominate their diet, with shrimp prevalence linked to the deeper diving behavior of adults. This niche overlap extends to harp seals and Greenland halibut, underscoring Kangia's critical role as a habitat for these genetically distinct seals.

Schiøtt, S., Holland, D. M., Holland, D., Rysgaard, S., & Rosing-Asvid, A. (2024). The diet and diving behaviour of the ringed seal (Pusa hispida) in Kangia (Ilulissat Icefjord), Greenland. Polar Biology, 47(12), 1409–1422. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00300-024-03310-4