Identifying prey items from New Zealand fur seal (Arctocephalus
forsteri) faeces using massive parallel sequencing
Arsalan Emami-Khoyi • David A. Hartley • Adrian M. Paterson • Laura J. Boren • Robert H. Cruickshank • James G. Ross • Elaine C. Murphy • Terry-Ann Else5
Abstract
The New Zealand fur seal (Arctocephalus forsteri) is one of many pinniped species that has shown a
remarkable recovery from the brink of extinction after
cessation of commercial sealing during the eighteenth and
nineteenth centuries. It is commonly believed that this
species competes with recreational and commercial fish-
eries. We identified prey items using massive parallel
sequencing from New Zealand fur seal faecal samples that
were collected throughout the species distribution. The data
support generalist feeding behaviour for this species. The
diet composition showed significant geographical and
inter-seasonal variation. As many as 46 species of fish and
18 species of cephalopod were identified from a single
colony. The data suggest cartilaginous species (sharks,
rays, and skates) constitute an important part of the New
Zealand fur seal diet. Approximately 10 % of the species
identified in the seal diet were of significant commercial
value, which indicates some qualitative food competition
between New Zealand fur seals and commercial fisheries in
exploiting marine species.