Estimation of feeding patterns for piscivorous fish using individual prey data from stomach contents

The problem of estimating temporal feeding patterns using stomach data is considered, where the time of ingestion for each prey item can be predicted through a gastric evacuation model. The arrival of prey is modelled as a nonhomogeneous Poisson process with known periodic intensity. A maximum likelihood approach is used to estimate the intensity, which is assumed to be the same for all predators, incorporating different uncertainties for the arrival time of each prey item. The method is applied to a case where a population of whiting (Merlangius merlangus) is feeding on sandeel (Ammodytes marinus), and peak feeding periods around dusk and dawn are identified.