Stratification, sex and ontogenetic effects on the lipid and fatty acid profiles in the blubber of sperm whales from Tasmanian waters.

We examined the differential deposition of lipids according to layer, sex and ontogeny in the blubber of 31 adult sperm whales (n = 22 females, 9 males) and two calves that stranded off the Tasmanian coast from 2002 to 2004. Total lipid (TL) content varied widely across the blubber layers of adults (27-77%). Overall, females had higher TL content than males possibly representing higher energy needs due to reproduction. Higher TL content in the middle layer of adults (69%) suggests this layer may act as an energy reserve. Wax esters (WE) dominated the blubber and were highest in the outer layer of adults and calves, likely providing insulative qualities for this deep-diving odontocete. Triacyclglycerols, an easily mobilized energy source, were highest in the inner layer of females (37.3 ± 13.5%) and calves (32.1 ± 1.8%) compared to males (17.1 ± 8.2%). Monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) also dominated the blubber. An increasing gradient from the inner to outer layer reflected an increasing source of endogenously synthesized lipids, whereas an increasing gradient of saturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) toward the inner layer reflected an increasing source of dietary lipids. Although body site did not affect lipid profiles, stratification between the outer and more metabolically active inner layers suggests that only using the outer layer may result in an incomplete lipid profile for sperm whales.

Multi-elemental concentrations in the tissues of the oceanic squid Todarodes filippovae from Tasmania and the southern Indian Ocean.

This study investigates 14 elements (Ag, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, V and Zn) in the tissues of the oceanic ommastrephid squid Todarodes filippovae from waters surrounding Île Amsterdam (southern Indian Ocean) and Tasmania (Australia). As for other cephalopod species, the digestive gland and branchial hearts showed the highest concentrations of many elements (Ag, Cd, Se, V and Zn, and Cr and Ni, respectively) highlighting their role in bioaccumulation and detoxification processes. With the exception of As and Hg, the muscles showed relatively low trace element concentrations. Squid size was positively correlated to Ag, As, Cd, Hg and Zn concentrations in Tasmanian squid and negatively correlated to all but Hg and Zn concentrations in Île Amsterdam squid. Furthermore, no differences in elemental concentrations were noted between sexes. There were, however, some differences between mated and non-mated females from Tasmania. Comparing elemental concentrations in squid from both islands, higher concentrations of Cd, Co, Cr, Ni, Pb and V in squid sampled in Île Amsterdam reflect different exposure conditions. When considering T. filippovae as a dietary resource for humans it should be noted that, given their Hg content, squids from Île Amsterdam are not recommended for consumption on a regular basis. Moreover, regardless of the squid's origin, digestive glands should be avoided as Cd and Hg concentrations were above the European Union authorized limits in these organs.