Scandinavian Fjord Food Web
Marine
Western Norway — Lofoten to Bergen
Description
Norwegian fjords are deep, sheltered marine environments where freshwater runoff creates a stratified water column. Cold, nutrient-rich Atlantic water enters at depth while a freshwater surface layer limits mixing. These conditions support herring, cod, and Norway lobster populations, with orcas seasonally following herring schools into the fjords.
Trophic Pyramid
Level 5
Decomposers
Cold-water bacteria
Fjord amphipods
Brittlestars
3 species
Level 4
Tertiary Consumers
Orca
White-tailed eagle
Harbour porpoise
3 species
Level 3
Secondary Consumers
Atlantic cod
Norway lobster
Pollock
3 species
Level 2
Primary Consumers
Herring
Krill
Calanus copepods
3 species
Level 1
Producers
Diatoms
Kelp
Phytoplankton
3 species
Apex Predators
Tertiary Consumers
Secondary Consumers
Primary Consumers
Producers
Key Interactions
- Orcas follow herring into fjords during winter, using carousel feeding to concentrate prey
- Stratified water columns create distinct deep and shallow food web compartments
- Atlantic cod feed on herring, prawns, and Norway lobster in deep fjord basins
- White-tailed eagles scavenge herring driven to the surface by orcas