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Distribution and diet of long-finned pilot whales in the North Atlantic using carbon and nitrogen stable isotope tracers
Abstract
The objectives for this thesis are to: (1) organize the available data sets to generate a new distribution map for the long-finned pilot whale, (Globicephala melas); (2) present the available known diet history; (3) test new methodology of diet analysis using stable isotope tracers and predict and evaluate consumption of known prey species from a study area; and (4) use stable isotope tracers to determine the trophic level of the whales and compare the results between study areas to predict potential movement between areas. Whales from Cape Cod and Mid-Atlantic Bight prior to collection were consuming a mixed diet, but their medium and long-term diets were probably made up of squid. The long-term diet prediction indicated that these whales were feeding on similar prey but possibly a different location. Analysis implied that the Faroe Island and Cape Cod whales may have been feeding on similar prey at the same location. This suggests the potential of the two groups interacting at the same foraging location during their lifetimes. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)
Subject Area
Zoology|Ecology|Oceanography
Recommended Citation
Abend, Alan Geoffrey, "Distribution and diet of long-finned pilot whales in the North Atlantic using carbon and nitrogen stable isotope tracers" (1993). Doctoral Dissertations Available from Proquest. AAI1353706.
https://scholarworks.umass.edu/dissertations/AAI1353706