The Mighty Capelin
Capelin, a small relative of the salmon, is vital to maintaining the structure in the aquatic and land ecosystems of Glacier Bay. This earns them the title of a keystone species, meaning that they have a disproportionately large effect on the stability of the ecosystem. Capelin serve as a major food source for many consumers such as whales, other larger fish, eagles, sea birds, and other marine mammals. Capelin provide the vital link between plankton and and larger animals in the ecosystem.
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During their spawning period in late spring and early summer they attract many more predators and provide a sturdy source of food. If the Capelin were to be removed the ecosystem in Glacier Bay would be immensely affected. Because Capelin are such a prominent prey for many predators, such as the humpback whale, without their presence the populations of these organisms would see sharp declines.
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