Publication Abstract

Metals and organochlorines in tissues of a Blainvilles beaked whale (Mesoplodon densirostris) and a killer whale (Orcinus orca) stranded in the UK

Metals and organochlorines in tissues of a Blainvilles beaked whale (Mesoplodon densirostris) and a killer whale (Orcinus orca) stranded in the UK

R.J. Law, C.R. Allchin, B.R. Jones, P.D. Jepson, J.R. Baker and C.Spurrier

Blainville's beaked whales (Mesoplodon densirostris) occur in warm temperate to tropical waters of all oceans. Their distribution is known almost entirely from records of stranded individuals, due to the rarity of sightings at sea (Mead, 1989). These whales grow to a maximum length of ca 4.7 m, with a weight of around 1 t. They are thought to live in small family units of 3 to 6 animals, and in the Atlantic Ocean their northward distribution (extending to about 45°N) is related to the presence of the warm waters of the Gulf Stream.

The limited information available suggests that squid and possibly some fish are the main prey, the whales generally feeding at the sea-bed in deep waters (Evans, 1987; Martin, 1990). The whale which stranded in Aberaeron in 1993 was the first of this species found on the coast of the British Isles since detailed stranding records began in 1913, and only the sixth to strand on the eastern shores of the North Atlantic Ocean. Further information may be found in Herman et al. (1994).

Reference:

R.J. Law, C.R. Allchin, B.R. Jones, P.D. Jepson, J.R. Baker and C.Spurrier, 1997. Metals and organochlorines in tissues of a Blainvilles beaked whale (Mesoplodon densirostris) and a killer whale (Orcinus orca) stranded in the UK. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 34(3): 208-212.

R.J. Law*, C.R. Allchin*, B.R. Jones*, P.D. Jepson, J.R. Baker and C.Spurrier

Marine Pollution Bulletin, 34(3): 208-212