Distribution and demographics of mysids (Crustacea: Mysida) as prey for gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus) in northwest Washington state.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The movement and distribution of gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus) during the feeding season is likely dependent on the quality of foraging opportunities and the distribution of prey species. These dynamics are especially important to understand for the Pacific Coast Feeding Group (PCFG) of gray whales which spend the feeding season along the coast from northern California, USA through northern British Columbia, Canada. In Washington state, no previous work has been done to describe available gray whale prey. The main goal of this research was to initiate studies on an important gray whale prey item in northwest Washington, mysid shrimp (Mysida), by establishing a baseline understanding of mysid swarm demographics in the area and investigating patterns in gray w

SUBMITTER: Allyn EM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10795525 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature