Description
Mesopredators play a key role in food webs, but their ecological functions remain unclear, particularly under climate change and human pressures such as overfishing and pollution. This study examines the feeding habits, habitat use, and responses of Mediterranean mesopredators to these stressors. By linking global trawling effort with trophic data, it identifies functional foraging differences between Mustelus and Squalus, with distinct isotopic responses to high fishing pressure. Comparisons of Merluccius merluccius, Mustelus punctulatus, and Squalus acanthias reveal dietary and isotopic niche differences, reducing competition due to size disparities driven by fishing pressure. Mercury analysis in Mustelus spp. shows a link between Hg levels and δ15N values, indicating biomagnification at higher trophic levels. A novel approach using chondrichthyan hard tissues suggests that body mass, temperature (δ18O), and activity levels influence δ13C variation. These findings highlight the adaptable trophic roles of mesopredators and the need for further research on their responses to environmental change.| Period | 30 Apr 2024 |
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| Examinee | Eric Diaz Delgado |
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| Degree of Recognition | International |