17391
Open
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
SC/68B/SH/06
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.