Research Measure: Policy
Funding Type: IRCSET
Funding Year: 2007
Project Duration: 24 Months
Project Type: Project-Based
Total Grant-Aid: €100,000
Lead Partner: University College Cork (Coastal & Marine Resources Centre)
Project Summary:
The objective of this project is to examine key ecological and physiological questions pertaining to the largest sea turtle, the largest teleost (bony fish), and a highly venomous jellyfish species. More specifically, the project aims to elucidate the pan-Atlantic movements and diving behaviour of the critically endangered leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) in relation to its jellyfish prey, and to calculate the energetic costs of a diet on cold jelly. It will also determine the movements and dive behaviour of the little-studied oceanic sunfish (Mola mola) in our temperate seas, and to examine whether is its unique morphology (i.e. laterally compressed and truncated body) is related to its jellyfish diet. To improve understanding of jellyfish foraging ecology and bloom formation, the vertical and horizontal movements of the Lion’s Mane jellyfish (Cyanea capillata) will be examined.
Further information and updates on this research are available from the UCC Coastal and Marine Research Centre website.