Habitat selection and seasonal movements of young bearded seals (Erignathus barbatus) in the Bering Sea.

The first year of life is typically the most critical to a pinniped's survival, especially for Arctic phocids which are weaned at only a few weeks of age and left to locate and capture prey on their own. Their seasonal movements and habitat selection are therefore important factors in their survival. During a cooperative effort between scientists and subsistence hunters in October 2004, 2005, and 2006, 13 female and 13 male young (i.

Variation in bioaccumulation of persistent organic pollutants based on octanol-air partitioning: Influence of respiratory elimination in marine species.

Risk assessments of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are often based on octanol-water (KOW) partitioning dynamics and may not adequately reflect bioaccumulation in air-breathing organisms. It has been suggested that compounds with low KOW and high octanol-air partitioning (KOA) coefficients have the potential to bioaccumulate in air-breathing organisms, including marine mammals. Here we evaluate differences in concentrations of POPs for two trophically matched Arctic species, spotted seal (Phoca largha) and sheefish (Stenodus leucichthys).

Organic nutrients and contaminants in subsistence species of Alaska: concentrations and relationship to food preparation method.

Objectives: To determine nutrient and contaminant concentrations, document concentration changes related to common preparation methods and provide a basic risk-benefit analysis for select subsistence foods consumed by residents of Kotzebue, Alaska.

Study Design: Eleven organic nutrients and 156 persistent organic pollutants (POPs) were measured in foods derived from spotted seals and sheefish.

Methods: Nutrients in foodstuffs were compared to Daily Recommended Intake criteria.

Inorganic nutrients and contaminants in subsistence species of Alaska: linking wildlife and human health.

Objectives: To determine inorganic nutrient and contaminant concentrations in subsistence foods consumed by Alaska Natives, concentration changes related to common preparation methods and provide a basic risk-benefit analysis for these foods.

Study Design: Eleven essential and six non-essential elements were measured in foods derived from spotted seals and sheefish.

Methods: Essential nutrients in foodstuffs were compared to Daily Recommended Intake (DRI) criteria.