The predation of mussels by eiders (Somateria mollissima) and its effect on German mussel farming

In 1979/80 about 50,000 and 1984/85 as in 1985/86 100,000 Eiders were observed in the German Wadden Sea. Of this number approx. 15,000 resp. 30,000 birds were foraging on musseI culture beds and consumed about 4,000 - 8,000 t of musseIs.