Effects of multiple stressors on Norwegian killer whales: MULTIWHALE
Informations
- Funding country
Norway- Acronym
- -
- URL
- -
- Start date
- 1/1/2021
- End date
- 12/31/2025
- Budget
- 1,537,131 EUR
Fundings
| Name | Role | Start | End | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marine Resources and the Environment (MARINFORSK) - call 2016 | Grant | - | - | 1,537,131 EUR |
Abstract
Killer whales are among the oceans’ greatest predators. Pollution is concentrated up marine food webs, and killer whales at the top are particularly vulnerable. Man-made pollutants build up in the blubber of whales, which can then be released into the bloodstream when the fat is utilised during stressful situations, such as persistent disturbance or starvation. The pollutants can lead to harmful effects such as impaired reproductive and immune systems, potentially affecting the population. The aim of MULTIWHALE is to study the cumulative effects of three stressors in Norwegian killer whales: pollutants, disturbance from human activities, and fluctuating food sources. We investigate the effects of these stressors at both individual and population levels, taking into account that some killer whales are more vulnerable to pollutants by eating seals in addition to fish. To achieve these aims, skin and blubber samples are collected from killer whales using a minimally-invasive biopsy system. Each sample can provide information on pollution levels, diet, stress levels, health responses and genetics. Every sampled killer whale is photographed and matched to a database with information on where the it has previously been seen, with whom, if it has had offspring, and an estimation of age. Combined, this makes it possible to forecast the long-term effects of multiple stressors and population development. The COVID-19 pandemic led to restrictions on tourism in Norway, and provided us with a unique opportunity to collect samples from undisturbed whales in 2020. We aspire to use the MULTIWHALE results to understand how harmful emerging and legacy pollutants affect the killer whales when they are simultaneously exposed to multiple stressors. Results will be communicated to stakeholders to help develop sustainable tourism and wildlife conservation. MULTIWHALE is a broad national and international collaboration, and includes members from all stages of the scientific carrere.