STOCKING UP FOR WINTER: MINKE WHALES' STRATEGIES

Minke Whales

Minke whales maximise energy storage on their feeding grounds.

Seasonal trends in energy storage of the minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata), a capital breeder, were investigated in Iceland, a North Atlantic feeding ground. The aim was to better understand the energy acquisition strategies of minke whales and the energetic costs that different reproductive classes face during the breeding season. We modelled total blubber volume, using blubber thicknes...

Southern Hemisphere stock of minke whales, Balaenoptera acutor

This proposal is presented in accordance with Resolution Conf. 9.24 with particular emphasis on the following: (1) The biological criteria (cf. Annex 1, Res. Conf. 9.24) for Appendix 1 stocks are not met for this stock. (2) Precautionary measures (cf. Annex 4, Res. Conf. 9.24) are fulfilled through national conservation and management measures and establishment of a trade control system based o...

Migration of Antarctic Minke Whales to the Arctic

The Antarctic minke whale (Balaenoptera bonaerensis), and the common minke whale found in the North Atlantic (Balaenoptera acutorostrata acutorostrata), undertake synchronized seasonal migrations to feeding areas at their respective poles during spring, and to the tropics in the autumn where they overwinter. Differences in the timing of seasons between hemispheres prevent these species from mix...

Do minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) digest wax esters?

Mammals are known to utilize wax esters with an efficiency of less than 50%. The purpose of the present study was to examine whether or not minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata), which at times may eat considerable amounts of wax-ester-rich krill, represent an exception to this general pattern. Samples of fresh undigested forestomach, as well as colon, contents were obtained from minke whal...