Publication Abstract

Metals and organochlorines in tissues of sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) and other cetacean species exploiting similar diets

Metals and organochlorines in tissues of sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) and other cetacean species exploiting similar diets

R.J. Law, R.J., Morris, C.R. Allchin and B.R. Jones

Sperm whales are essentially oceanic animals which feed almost exclusively on cephalopods (squid and octopi). In this paper we compare contaminant concentrations determined in tissues from seven of the sperm whales stranded around the North Sea during the 1994/95 winter with those reported for four other odontocete species which feed primarily on cephalopods, and discuss the differences observed in terms of diet, habitat and behaviour. This comparison suggests that to date our attempts to relate contaminant concentrations in cetacean tissues to lifestyle have perhaps been rather simplistic. Critically relating contaminant levels to the ecosystem feeding habits of cetacean species may assist us to elucidate metabolic pathways and yield a better understanding of long-term uptake and elimination processes within these animals.

Reference:

R.J. Law, R.J., Morris, C.R. Allchin and B.R. Jones, 1997. Metals and organochlorines in tissues of sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) and other cetacean species exploiting similar diets. Sperm Whale Deaths in the North Sea: Science and Management. Ed: T.G. Jacques and R.H. Lambertsen. Bulletin de l’Institut Royal des Sciences Naturelles de Belgique Biologie, 67(Su l): 79-89.

R.J. Law*, R.J., Morris*, C.R. Allchin* and B.R. Jones*

Sperm Whale Deaths in the North Sea: Science and Management. Ed: T.G. Jacques and R.H. Lambertsen. Bulletin de l’Institut Royal des Sciences Naturelles de Belgique Biologie, 67(Su l): 79-89