Greenland sharks (Somniosus microcephalus) scavenge offal from minke (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) whaling operations in Svalbard (Norway)

• DOI: 10.3402/polar.v30i0.7342
• Publication Date: 2011-07-01T11:16:04Z
• Authors: Lisa-Marie Leclerc; Christian Lydersen; Tore Haug; Kevin A. Glover; Aaron T. Fisk; Kit M. Kovacs
• Keywords: Minke whale; Whaling; Humpback whale; Blubber; Baleen

Minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) tissue (mainly blubber) was found in the gastrointestinal tracks of Greenland sharks (Somniosus microcephalus) collected Kongsfjorden, Svalbard, Norway. In order to determine whether were actively hunting whales, finding naturally dead whales or consuming offal from whaling, we checked genetic identity against DNA register for minke taken Norwegian whaling operations. All samples that had sufficient quality perform individual identifications traceable register. During operations, blubber is stripped carcass and thrown overboard. The strips float on surface are available surface-feeding predators. This study revealed scavenging this material; additionally, it demonstrates capacity ‘benthic-feeding’ shark utilize whole water column foraging. Keywords: Carrion; diet; register; shark; (Published: 30 June 2011) Citation: Polar Research 2011, 30, 7342, DOI: 10.3402/polar.v30i0.7342