Do dietary changes of Australasian gannets (Morus serrator) reflect variability in pelagic fish stocks?

Abstract

The relationship between changes in the diet of Australasian gannets (Morus serrator) and commercial fisheries landings was investigated. The contribution of pilchard (Sardinops sagax) to the diet of gannets was significantly related to the commercial catch of that species, suggesting that changes in the relative proportion of pilchard in the diet of gannets may be a useful index of pilchard abundance and availability. Equivalent relationships, however, were not found for other common prey species in the gannet diet. It is considered that the abundance of important prey items in the gannet diet, such as pilchards, and commercial landings are proportional to stock abundance. The implications of this relationship for fisheries management are examined.