New publication

Krahn, M.M., Hanson, M.B., Baird, R.W., Boyer, R.H., Burrows, D.G., Emmons, C.K., Ford, J.K.B., Jones, L.L., Noren, D.P., Ross, P.S., Schorr, G.S. and Collier, T.K.  In press.  Persistent organic pollutants and stable isotopes in biopsy samples (2004/2006) from Southern Resident killer whales.  Marine Pollution Bulletin.

Abstract—‘‘Southern Resident’’ killer whales include three ‘‘pods’’ (J, K and L) that reside primarily in Puget Sound/Georgia Basin during the spring, summer and fall. This population was listed as ‘‘endangered’’ in the US and Canada following a 20% decline between 1996 and 2001. The current study, using blubber/epidermis biopsy samples, contributes contemporary information about potential factors (i.e., levels of pollutants or changes in diet) that could adversely affect Southern Residents. Carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes indicated J- and L-pod consumed prey from similar trophic levels in 2004/2006 and also showed no evidence for a large shift in the trophic level of prey consumed by L-pod between 1996 and 2004/2006. PCBs decreased for Southern Residents biopsied in 2004/2006 compared to 1993–1995. Surprisingly, however, a three-year-old male whale (J39) had the highest concentrations of ?PBDEs, ?HCHs and HCB. POP ratio differences between J- and L-pod suggested that they occupy different ranges in winter.

PDF copy available on-line from the “Articles in press” section of Marine Pollution Bulletin (http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/0025326X) or from the author at the e-mail address below.

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Dr Peggy Krahn

Deputy Director, Environmental Conservation Division

2725 Montlake Boulevard East

Seattle, WA 98112

Phone:  (206) 860-3326

Fax:  (206) 860-3335

E-mail: peggy.krahn@noaa.gov