The diet of the minke whale in Greenland - A short review

• Published in: NAMMCO Scientific Publications
• Main Author: Pia Barner Neve
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Septentrio Academic Publishing 2000
• Subjects: minke whales; Balaenoptera acutorostrata; diet; stomach contents; prey; Ecology; QH540-549.5; Greenland; minke whale
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.7557/3.2974; https://doaj.org/article/dc727542749b48d28adfbb06ed17efa0

Information on the diet of minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) in Greenland waters is reviewed. The knowledge is based on reports by whale catchers in Greenland, supplemented by limited scientific studies of stomach contents. The available material indicates that capelin (Mallotus villosus) is the predominant prey item in Greenland waters, particularly in coastal areas. In offshore areas, sand eel (Ammodytes spp) is consumed rather frequently, and krill (euphausids) appears to play a certain role in some areas or periods.