Large aggregations of pelagic squid near the ocean surface at the Antarctic Polar Front, and their capture by grey-headed albatrosses

Abstract

Satellite-tracked squid predators and fish-finding acoustics were used to locate squid concentrations at the Antarctic Polar Front, then to sample them with a midwater trawl. Near-surface hauls were dominated by the squid Martialia hyadesi similar in size to those fed to grey-headed albatross chicks. The characteristics of the squid and their proximity to the surface suggest that the birds locate squid concentrations by olfaction and catch them by plunging. © 2010 International Council for the Exploration of the Sea. Published by Oxford Journals. All rights reserved.