Keys to the Distribution and Productivity of Forage Fishes in the Newfoundland and Barents Sea Ecosystems

Capelin (Mallotus villosus) and Artic cod (Boreogadus saida) are important forage fish species in the boreal ecosystems of Newfoundland Labrador and the Barents Sea.  In both systems a latitudinal cline in species composition is evident with capelin typically more prominent in the southern portions and arctic cod predominant in the north .  These distributions are likely driven by both biotic and abiotic factors.  While the two species share some common prey species, in both systems Arctic cod tend to consume more carnivorous zooplankton than their capelin counterparts.  We test to see whether this less efficient energetic pathway exhibited by Arctic cod may contribute to a  lower overall productivity of this forage species when compared to capelin which prey primarily on herbivorous zooplankton. Results are examined in light of changing species distributions in response to climate change.