North Atlantic minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) feeding habits and migrations evaluated by stable isotope analysis of baleen

Abstract

Minke whales are important constituents of the Northeast Atlantic ecosystem as predators and as a species harvested commercially in Norway and Iceland. Much emphasis has been placed on abundance estimation (Skaug et al., 2004) and studies of population genetic structure (Quintela et al., 2014). In terms of their trophic interactions and food-web roles, Blix (1992), Haug et al. (1996) and Windsland et al. (2007) have described minke whale stomach contents in summer, but stomach contents can only provide snapshots of what the whales eat in a specific area. As their behaviour is elusive and their size is small, consequently there is much that remains unknown regarding their behaviour, seasonal feeding habits, migrations, and winter distributions.Large migrations and feeding activity across extensive areas are characteristics of a variety of mysticete whales. Given the ethical considerations of obtaining sufficiently large sample sizes to study whale feeding and movement habits, either non-destructive methods are employed, such as telemetry (Lee et al., 2017;Milmann et al., 2020) or biopsy darts that collect skin and blubber (Witteveen et al., 2009); or smaller samples are taken when opportunities allow, such as through strandings and museum samples (e.g. Best

A conceptual framework to integrate cold-survival strategies: torpor, resistance and seasonal migration

“…Quantifying axes of cold-survival (figure 1) is challenging but possible given tools like GPS and temperature-sensitive skin tags [55], thermal cameras [56,57], stable isotopes [58] and relevant repositories (PanTHERIA [59] and MoveBank [60]).…”

“…Quantifying axes of cold-survival (figure 1) is challenging but possible given tools like GPS and temperature-sensitive skin tags [55], thermal cameras [56,57], stable isotopes [58] and relevant repositories (PanTHERIA [59] and MoveBank [60]). Measurements that reflect natural regimes are preferrable [57], and careful thought is needed as to what is being measured.…”

Tracking the migration and distribution of Caspian Kutum (Rutilus kutum, Kamenskii, 1901) along the southern coastline of the Caspian Sea: Using stable isotope analysis

“…In recent years, stable isotopes have increasingly received attention for their ability to provide complementary information (García-Vernet et al, 2022). This is a common result in studies of this type conducted of the Caspian kutum, and the uctuations have been usually attributed to migratory movements that implied crossing different isotopic baselines, seasonal variation in feeding patterns and diet composition, or a combination of both (Eisenmann et al, 2016;Eerkes-Medrano et al, 2021).…”

“…Speci cally, stable isotope ratios of carbon (δ 13 C) and nitrogen (δ 15 N) are powerful tools for assessing sh dispersion and ecological relationships (Rodgers and Wing, 2008; Green et al, 2012). Isotopic fractionation (Δ) refers to the difference in the isotope ratio (e.g., 15 N/ 14 N or 13 C/ 12 C) between a source and a product, such as animal tissue. By measuring isotopic fractionation, researchers can gain insights into the underlying biogeochemical processes that in uence the isotopic composition of an organism's tissues, ultimately leading to a better understanding of its ecological and environmental context (Peterson and Fry, 1987).…”

Archaeological evidence of resource utilisation of the great whales over the past two millennia: A systematic review protocol

“…[ 70 , 73 , 80 , 99 – 102 ]). The majority of the great whales (baleen and sperm whales) undertake vast annual migrations (often between higher latitude feeding areas and lower latitude wintering/breeding areas), with the possibility of being hunted or scavenged by multiple past human societies along their migratory range [ 59 , 103 , 104 ]. Therefore, localised studies have limited capacity to infer the relationship between human societies and specific whale species and populations (i.e.…”