The cost of a meal: life-history consequences of foraging mode in fur seals and sea lions

随着商业海豹时代(18-19世纪)的过度开发，澳大利亚的两个毛海豹物种目前在其整个范围内经历了种群数量的增加，而澳大利亚海狮的种群在其整个范围内正在减少(或稳定但较低)，被认为是脆弱的。了解决定毛海豹和海狮觅食效率的机制将对这些物种的管理产生影响，这些物种可能会与渔业活动发生越来越多的互动。这项研究的结果将有助于制定政策，确保海洋资源在环境上的可持续利用。

Australia's two fur seal species are currently experiencing population increases throughout their range as they recover from the over-exploitation of the commercial sealing era (18-19th centuries) whereas the Australian sea lion population is decreasing (or stable but low) throughout its range and is considered vulnerable. Understanding the mechanisms which determine foraging efficiency in fur seals and sea lions will have implications for the management of these species, which are likely to experience increasing interactions with fisheries activities. The results of this research will assist in the development of policies to ensure the environmentally sustainable use of marine resources.