Studying the oceans and seas poses a major challenge for researchers due to their vastness. Technological advancement is crucial for oceanographers in their goal to preserve the marine environment and document predation events.
Observing the behaviors of marine fauna is key, as global warming is affecting the future of many species, endangering the balance of nature both underwater and on the surface.
New Observation Systems
New observation systems are being implemented to monitor the movements and behaviors of some species. One of the most recent technologies is Ocean Acoustic Waveguide Remote Sensing (OAWRS), which is used to map large fish aggregations, spanning thousands of square kilometers, thanks to capturing the sound frequencies they emit.
Study in the Barents Sea
A study conducted in the Barents Sea by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the Norwegian Institute of Marine Research captured one of the most spectacular predation events ever observed.
The main characters were millions of capelins (Mallotus villosus) and codfish (Gadus morhua), in a struggle for survival and predation.
Capelin Behavior
Capelin, a small fish, is key to the marine ecosystem, supporting species such as codfish, seals, and various seabirds. Due to changes in their behavior and the need to travel longer distances to lay their eggs, capelins are more vulnerable to predators.
In the study, a gigantic aggregation of capelins, estimated at 23 million fish, was looking for a good spot to lay their eggs on the Norwegian coast. They formed a bank around 10 kilometers long as a defense against predators.
Response of the Codfish
Meanwhile, 2.5 million codfish formed an offensive column. In the clash, the predator group managed to catch almost 50% of the gathered capelins, totaling around 10.6 million captured fish.
This unprecedented observation phenomenon highlights the interaction of marine fauna between two key species, with changing behaviors that concern experts.
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