Project Information

Title: Effects of Harbor Seal Metabolism on Stable Isotope Ratio Tracers 00371

Project Year and Number: 2000: 00371

Other Fiscal Years and Numbers for this Project: 2001: 01371-CLO, 1999: 99371

Principal Investigator (PI): Donald Schell (University of Alaska Fairbanks)

Managing Agency: ADFG

Assisting Personnel: None

Research Location: Prince William Sound, Gulf of Alaska

Restoration Category: Research

Injured Resources Addressed: Harbor Seals

Abstract: A major concern with the use of stable isotope tracers in ecosystem studies is the fidelity with which ratios are transferred up food chains. Use of specific habitats or prey cannot be assessed if geographic gradients in isotope ratios are laid on top of trophic effects and/or prey switching. To remove these problems, this project will seek specific conservative biomarkers such as essential amino acids or fatty acids that carry isotope ratios unmodified by metabolism. Amino acids labeled with 15N and 13C will be used to follow transamination and carbon relocation during metabolic processes in the seals at the Alaska SeaLife Center. Specific fatty acid isolation and determination of suitability as habitat biomarkers will follow in year three of the project.


Proposal: Not Available

Reports:
Final Report: See Project 01371-CLO

Publications from this Project: None Available