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.
Australian fur seals have a thing or two to teach their northern cousins about how to determine when and where seals and sea lions capture prey. And they do it using their heads. [more]
Squid appear to be more important in the diet of Steller sea lions than previously thought. Sea lions are consuming at least 15 different species of squid in Southeast Alaska. Who would have thought? [more]
Prey patches, foraging habitats, fatty acids, implantable tags, and the importance of prey quality to marine mammals. Check out the latest peer reviewed publications.
Every year from December to March, herds of walrus gather in the northern reaches of Alaska to breed. Similarly, every January the scientists who study these creatures and other marine mammals gather in Anchorage for their own rituals, which include the important exchange of scientific ideas. [more]
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Predator-prey relationships have been likened to a nuclear arms race whereby each side is constantly evolving to outdo the other. A new study of cetaceans and their diets shows that quality of prey rather than sheer quantities of food is the major determinant in this race for supremacy.
Donate now to support sea lion research at the Marine Mammal Research Unit through the University of British Columbia's secure server donation website.