Dear colleagues
We are pleased to announce the publication of the following article on
potential effects of climate change on the feeding ecology of common
minke whales:
Víkingsson, G.A., Elvarsson, B.Þ, Ólafsdóttir, D., sigurjónsson, J.,
Chosson, v. and Galan, A. 2013. Recent changes in the diet composition
of common minke whales
(Balaenoptera acutorostrata) in Icelandic waters. A consequence
of climate change? Marine Biology Research, 10:2, 138-152, DOI:
10.1080/17451000.2013.793812
Abstract
The common minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) is the most abundant
mammalian top predator in Icelandic continental shelf waters. Here, an
account is given on the first systematic research programme into the
feeding ecology of common minke whales in Icelandic waters based on an
analysis of minke whale stomach contents data collected in Icelandic
waters during 20032007. The results show pronounced spatial and
temporal variation in the diet. The temporal changes include a decrease
in the proportion of sandeel in the diet over the study period and a
corresponding increase in herring (Clupea haerengus) and haddock
(Melanogrammus aeglefinus), particularly in the southern area. The diet
also differed markedly from the previously available, limited data from
Icelandic waters with less krill and the cold water species capelin
(Mallotus villosus) and more gadoids and herring in the more recent
period. These changes in diet composition are consistent with recent
changes in the Icelandic continental shelf ecosystem, including
increased sea surface and bottom temperatures and changes in
distribution and abundance of several fish species, including sandeel
(Ammodytidae) and capelin. Although
natural fluctuations cannot be ruled out at this stage, these dietary
changes, together with decreased abundance in coastal waters, may
reflect the responses of minke whales to a changed environment possibly
driven by global warming.
The article can be obtained at the Journal website
http://www.tandfonline.com/loi/smar20#.Ul_4YlMshDI
or by a request for a pdf to [email protected]
Regards
--
Gísli A. Víkingsson
Head of Whale Research
Marine Research Institute
Skulagata 4
PO Box 1390
121 Reykjavík
Iceland
Tel. +354 575 2000
Fax +354 575 2001
Email: [email protected]
www.hafro.is
If you experience difficulties with this email, please try:
[email protected]
_______________________________________________
MARMAM mailing list
[email protected]
https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
