Project Information

Title: Effects of Harbor Seal Metabolism on Stable Isotope Ratio Tracers 01371-CLO

Project Year and Number: 2001: 01371-CLO

Other Fiscal Years and Numbers for this Project: 2000: 00371, 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 when using stable isotope tracers in ecosystem studies is the fidelity with which isotope ratios are transferred up food chains. Use of specific habitats or prey cannot be assessed because geographic gradients in isotope ratios confound trophic effects and/or prey switching. To remove these problems, this project developed complex analytical protocols to isolate amino acids from harbor seals which were pulse-labeled with 15N-amino acids. Subsequent samples of blood plasma and red blood cells over time allowed for estimation of nitrogen incorporation rates. The goals of the final year are to identify pathways of rapid versus slower turnover and to investigate determination of habitat biomarkers.


Proposal: View (87 KB)

Reports:
Final Report: Not available. For current status, please contact us.

Publications from this Project: None Available