Project Information

Title: Harbor Seal Recovery: Effects of Diet on Lipid Metabolism and Health 00441

Project Year and Number: 2000: 00441

Other Fiscal Years and Numbers for this Project: 2002: 02441, 2001: 01441-CLO, 1999: 99441

Principal Investigator (PI): Randall Davis (Texas A&M University)

Managing Agency: ADFG

Assisting Personnel: Tammy Adams, Daniel Cowan, Amanda Fuson, Shane Kanatous, Todd Miller, Lori Polasek, Rebecca Watson

Research Location: Prince William Sound and Alaska SeaLife Center

Restoration Category: Research

Injured Resources Addressed: Harbor Seals

Abstract: Changes in food availability could be affecting harbor seal population recovery. To better understand the results from field studies of harbor seal health, body condition and feeding ecology, data is needed for seals on diets that vary in nutritional composition. Working with the Alaska SeaLife Center, this project will determine how fatty acid profiles in the blubber of captive harbor seals change over time during controlled diets of herring and pollock. In addition, the project will assess the aerobic capacity and lipid metabolism of skeletal muscle in harbor seals fed controlled diets and in wild harbor seals in Prince William Sound. The results will enhance understanding of the nutritional role and assessment of dietary fat for harbor seals.


Proposal: Not Available

Reports:
Final Report: See Project 01441-CLO

Publications from this Project: None Available