Decreasing salinity improves the feeding conditions of the Baltic herring (Clupea harengus membras) during spring in the Bothnian Sea, northern Baltic

Abstract

The stomach contents of the herring (Clupea harengus membras L.) from the Bothnian Sea, northern Baltic, were analysed during spring 2011 and 2013. The stomachs were full of Limnocalanus macrurus in May and June, and an improvement in the condition of herring was observed when fish started to feed on this prey. The analyses showed that Limnocalanus is currently an important link between lower trophic levels and Baltic herring in the Bothnian Sea. © 2014 International Council for the Exploration of the Sea. All rights reserved.