Carbon and nitrogen stable isotopic inventory of the most abundant demersal Wsh captured by benthic gears in southwestern Iceland (North Atlantic)

Abstract

Stable isotopes ( 13C and 15N) were used to examine the origin of organic matter for the most representative demersal species of the SW Icelandic Wshery, accounting for over 70% of landings of those species in the North Atlantic. Samples were collected during a 2-week period in early September 2004 from landings and directly during Wshing cruises. Stable isotopes showed that particulate organic matter and sedimentary organic matter were at the base of the food web and appeared to Wll two diVerent compartments: the pelagic and the benthic. The pelagic realm was composed of only capelin and sandeel; krill and redWsh occupied an intermediate position between pelagic and benthic realms; while anglerWsh, haddock, cod and ling resulted as the true demersal species while tusk, rays and plaice were strongly linked to the benthic habitat.