Fluctuations in Numbers and Activity of Inshore Demersal Fishes in Shetland

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Abstract
Prey populations, patterns of availability, and dispersion of prey can have farreaching effects on numbers and range-sizes of terrestrial Carnivora (Macdonald, 1983; Kruuk & Parish, 1982; Kruuk & Macdonald, 1985). These parameters may therefore also affect populations of otters Lutra lutra, living in the sea around Shetland, U.K., as well as populations of fish-eating birds there. This paper presents observations on fluctuations in numbers and activity of several species of demersal fish, over a 3½ year period, along a coast in Shetland. It aims to provide information on the distribution and availability of these species to some predators, especially to the otter, but also to the heron Ardea cinerea, the black guillemot Cepphus grylle and others.