17391
Open
SC/68B/SH/06
Comparison of mitochondrial DNA haplotype diversity from pre-whaling and post-whaling samples of Antarctic blue whales
Sremba, AL, Martin, AR, P. Wilson, R. Pitman, J. Jackson, Baker, C.S.
International Whaling Commission
2020
Here, we compare mtDNA diversity between contemporary Antarctic blue whales represented by biopsy samples collected during IDCR/SOWER cruises (n= 183 individuals) and historical Antarctic blue whales as represented by bones from the South Georgia (SG) and the western Antarctic Peninsula (AP) (n = 30 bones). We provide further evidence of regional differentiation of mtDNA haplotypes and loss of haplotype diversity most likely as a result of local extirpation. The recent collection of biopsy samples from blue whales near South Georgia provides an opportunity for a direct comparison of recovery or re-colonization.