Isotopic niches of fin whales from the Mediterranean Sea and the Celtic Sea (North Atlantic)

摘要: Abstract The fin whale ( Balaenoptera physalus ) is the most abundant and widespread mysticete species in Mediterranean Sea, found mostly deep, offshore waters of western central portion region. In Mediterranean, this known to feed mainly on krill, contrast its Atlantic counterpart, which displays a more diversified diet. International Whaling Commission recognizes several managements units Sea connectivity between these populations still being debated. Questions remain about inter-individual feeding strategies trophic ecology. goal study was compare isotopic niches whales from Celtic (North Atlantic). δ 13 C 15 N values were analysed 136 skin biopsies free-ranging sampled 2010 2011 during campaigns at sea. ranged from −20.4 to −17.1‰ 5.9 8.9‰, respectively. These are good agreement with those estimated previously baleen plates North whales. narrow niche width (Standard Ellipses area SEAc) compared raises many concerns context global changes long-term consequences. One could indeed expect that displaying would be susceptible ecosystem fragmentation other anthropogenic impacts.