Northern fulmars are important predators and scavengers in arctic and temperate pelagic waters. They occur in large breeding colonies with other cliff-nesting seabirds, including murres (Uria), kittiwakes (Rissa), and cormorants (Phalacrocorax). They may use areas of breeding islands with more vegetation and soil accumulation than these other species. They feed on large zooplankton brought to the surface by feeding gray whales (Eschrictius robustus) and are often found in close association with black-legged kittiwakes (Rissa tridactyla) in arctic waters.

Northern fulmars are susceptible to various diseases, including viral ornithosis, which can be transmitted to humans, and shellfish paralysis. Ectoparasites reported are chewing lice (Procellariphaga brevifimbiata, Saemundssonia occidentalis, and Perineus nigrolimbatus), endoparasites reported are nematodes (Stegophorus stellaepolaris).

Mutualist Species:

• murres (Uria)
• kittiwakes (Rissa)
• cormorants (Phalacrocorax)
• gray whales (Eschrictius robustus)
• black-legged kittiwakes (Rissa tridactyla)

Commensal/Parasitic Species:

• chewing lice (Procellariphaga brevifimbiata)
• chewing lice (Saemundssonia occidentalis)
• chewing lice (Perineus nigrolimbatus)
• nematodes (Stegophorus stellaepolaris)