Fatty acids and stable isotopes (δ13C and δ15N) reveal temporal changes in narwhal (Monodon monoceros) diet linked to migration patterns

摘要: Narwhals (Monodon monoceros) are sentinel species in the Arctic and to investigate marine food web changes from 1982–2011 we examined diet using fatty acids, δ15N, δ13C, narwhals Baffin Bay (BB) northern Hudson (NHB). We predicted temporal would be greater NHB due a significant reduction summer ice cover. In NHB, δ15N significantly increased, δ13C displayed parabolic trend, acids gradually shifted, albeit not significantly, over time. was stable, decreased, changed time BB. Stable isotope mixing models indicated dietary capelin increase Greenland halibut 1994–2000 2006–2011 BB, while an important component for recent years (2006–2011). These may attributed sea narwhal migration. Seasonal changes, as evidenced by blubber skin muscle stable isotopes, were apparent population, which indicative of reduced migratory distance. Long-term monitoring patterns associated with provides invaluable information about how ecosystem will redistribute global warming.