Abstract
Field observations by divers indicated that a high rate of predation of whelks (Buccinum undatum) by starfish (Asterias rubens) occurred in an area disturbed by scallop dredging, although these whelks mostly appeared to be alive and externally undamaged. The ability of whelks to escape from starfish was tested in the laboratory after they were dropped or rolled to simulate direct physical contact with bottom fishing gear. Dropping whelks did not significantly affect their escape behaviour, but whelks which had been rolled took significantly longer to right themselves and were significantly less likely to perform an escape response than whelks that had not experienced this treatment. This study suggests that demersal fishing may indirectly increase whelk mortality by increasing their risk of predation.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 299-304 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Journal of Sea Research |
Volume | 39 |
Issue number | 3-4 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Jun 1998 |
Keywords
- Buccinum undatum
- Escape response
- Fishing impact
- Predation
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Oceanography
- Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics
- Aquatic Science