Newfoundland and Labrador waters provide the location for raw stomach content data collected from harp seals (Pagophilus groenlandicus) between 2017 and 2021. Fisheries and Oceans Canada personnel and licensed seal hunters gathered the samples, with seal ages determined by counting tooth annuli. Prey species were identified by comparing whole specimens or hard parts to reference materials.
Use Cases
- Analyze harp seal diet composition based on identified prey species.
- Study changes in prey availability over time based on the 2017-2021 sampling period.
- Model predator-prey interactions in the Northwest Atlantic based on stomach content records.
- Assess the impact of harp seals on commercial fish stocks based on prey consumption data.
Strengths
- Data collection spans a five-year period from 2017 to 2021.
- Specimens were collected by Fisheries and Oceans Canada personnel or experienced, licensed hunters.
- Seal ages were determined using a standardized method of counting dentine annuli in sectioned teeth.
- Prey identification used published keys and reference materials from Newfoundland and Labrador waters.
Limitations
- Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
- Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
- Data may reflect geographic and temporal bias inherent to the collection program in Newfoundland and Labrador waters.
Provenance
- Source
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada | Pêches et Océans Canada
- Collection Method
- Seal stomachs and jaws were collected in Newfoundland and Labrador waters. Stomach contents were examined for whole prey and prey hard parts following established methods.
- Time Range
- 2017-2021
- Freshness
- Last updated 2026-05-20 17:12:24.164109; freshness should be verified.
- Geography
- Waters around Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, referenced using NAFO Statistical subareas.