MARINE MAMMAL RESEARCH UNIT
 The status of marine mammal populations is of growing concern to a wide range of individuals. Questions are being asked about the impact of human activities on marine mammals and the effect of marine mammals on fish stocks. These uncertainties may have repercussions on people, marine mammals, and the health of the ecosystem.
PUBLICATIONS  
Iin press:

Seasonal influence on the response of the somatotropic axis to nutrient restriction and re-alimentation in captive Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus).
Richmond, J.P., T. Jeanniard du Dot, D.A.S. Rosen and S.A. Zinn. (in press).
Journal of Experimental Zoology Vol 311A
todd, 2010 stable isotope
 
latest published paper:

Stable isotope signal homogeneity and differences between and within pinniped muscle and skin.
Todd, S.K., B. Holm, D.A.S. Rosen and D.J. Tollit. 2010.
Marine Mammal Science 26:176-185.
todd, 2010 stable isotope
 

RESEARCH


Skeleton

Blue Whale project
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THE UNIT'S GOALS

The research units goals consist of four components:

1. Field studies contrasting healthy sea lion populations in Southeast Alaska, British Columbia and Oregon with declining populations in the Gulf of Alaska; and hands-on investigation of declining northern fur seal populations on the Pribilof Islands;

2. Captive studies on Steller sea lions and northern fur seals to enable the development and testing of new techniques and technologies for studying marine mammals in the wild; and to provide information that field studies cannot, including physiological data, nutritional requirements and how they use energy derived from food;

3. Developing new measurement techniques for processing biological samples;

4. Interdisciplinary studies that analyze historical data sets, construct mathematical models and involve laboratory analysis.

 

Why UBC?
UBC is centered between Alaska and Washington/Oregon in the oceanographic transition zone, and is an ideal place to study and coordinate research on marine mammals. It is also close to other research groups, representative fisheries, and populations of different species of marine mammals. It boasts excellent research facilities and support services:

  • expertise and collaboration with other researchers in the Fisheries Centre, Earth and Ocean Sciences, Zoology / Ecology, Agricultural Sciences, and the Faculty of Engineering
  • the Vancouver Aquarium cooperates in providing facilities for captive studies
  • MMRU researchers have good working relationships with Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game and the U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service.

 

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