Demersal fishes are eaten by all three of these species but appear to be of greatest importance in the diet of ribbon seals. Crustaceans make up a considerable portion of the diet of ringed seals, especially young animals.
Walruses feed almost exclusively on clams.
Clams, crabs, and shrimp make up the bulk of the diet of bearded seals. Walruses and bearded seals compete for clams in some areas. Commercial fisheries harvest a portion of the food resource of Bering Sea pinnipeds which may influence populations of some species. Available data on foods of Phocid seals and walruses are inadequate in all seasons and in all regions except the northern Bering Sea. Data are lacking for all species in southern and central regions during winter months, for walruses in all areas and seasons, and for harbor seals in the southeastern Bering Sea.